Southern Districts scrumhalf Dewet Roos  gets the chance for some starting minutes when the Sydney Rays head south for their final-round NRC match against the Melbourne Rising on Sunday at Frankston.

The 26-year-old comes into the Rays run-on side for skipper Matt Lucas after working off the bench in the six games so far played in this NRC season.

Roos has played a pivotal role off the bench, bringing energy and good communication skills when he comes on to the field.

Head coach Simon Cron believes the Rays will lose nothing with Roos in the starting side.

“We’re lucky to have two very good scrumhalves in our playing group and I’m more than comfortable giving Dewet the starting role this week,” Cron said.

Roos moved to Australia from South Africa in 2002 at the age of 12 and started playing juniors with the Sylvania Bulldogs, gradually rising through the Southern Districts age group sides.

A project manager in the construction industry away from his Rugby, Roos was Souths’ starting No.9 in their Shute Shield grand final loss to Eastwood in 2014 and came to the Rays this year after two seasons with the Rams.

The elevation of classy scrumhalf is one of a number of changes Cron and his selectors have made to the match-day 23 for the trip to Melbourne.

Hooker James Hilterbrand is another to get a starting gig this weekend, coming in for two-try hero from last weekend Damien Fitzpatrick, while the experienced tighthead prop Angus Ta’avao has also been named in the run-on side for the Melbourne trip.

The rest of the tight five and the backrow remains the same as the one that performed so well against the UC Vikings last weekend at Pittwater Rugby Park.

Classy flyhalf Sam Lane may also start in the No.10 jersey ahead of Angus Sinclair as the Rays endeavour to give him some major minutes in the lead in to the playoffs.

Lane has been troubled by a calf injury and a virus in recent weeks and Cron is keen for him settle into the team’s attack and defensive structures this week.

He will have to get through training tonight (Thursday) and warm down well to take his opportunity in Melbourne.

The Rays still have much to play for this weekend as they can snatch the minor premiership if they win in Melbourne on Sunday and the NSW Country Eagles stumble against the Western Sydney Rams on Saturday at Concord Oval.

A win over the Rising will ensure they host a semi-final the following weekend – most likely at Pittwater Rugby Park on either October 15 or 16.

In all six teams – Eagles, Rays, Spirit, Rising, Vikings and Rams – are vying for the four semi-final spots.

In the playoffs the team finishing first will take on the team placed fourth, while the team placed second will play the side placed third. The two winners of the semis will play in the final.

Finishing in the top two gives teams the chance to host a playoff match.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 1pm and is part of Pacific Island round which acknowledges the contribution of Pacific Island players and coaches to the game.

Sydney Rays team to play Melbourne Rising 

Ezra Luxton, James Hilterbrand, Angus Ta’avao, Connor Vest, James Brown, Jack Dempsey, Chris Alcock, Michael Wells, Dewet Roos, Sam Lane/Angus Sinclair, Harry Jones, Irae Simone, Con Foley, Lochie Creagh, Josh Turner/Johnathan Malo. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Rory O’Connor, Lawrance Hunting, Angus Ryan, Michael Smith/Harry Bergelin, Matt Lucas, Angus Sinclair/Sam Lane, Josh Turner/Johnathan Malo.