There has been plenty of positive chat coming out the Waratahs new base at Daceyville in recent weeks and they’ll get their first chance to back it up tonight when they face the Highlanders in their opening preseason trial in Queenstown.

The Tahs will play two trials and at next week’s Brisbane 10s and with their opening Super Rugby match just over three weeks away, there are still plenty of questions to be answered.

Here’s are five things to keep an eye out for in the next few weeks.

Battle of the big men

Following the departures of Dean Mumm and Will Skelton, the Waratahs will look to two new faces in the engine room this year. Former Reds veteran Rob Simmons will more than likely occupy one of the two starting spots, leaving former Brumby Tom Staniforth, Ned Hanigan, Nick Palmer and Ryan McCauley to battle for the other and a spot on the bench. Hanigan has reportedly spent time at both lock and in the backrow during preseason but Staniforth and Palmer will get first chance to impress tonight against the Highlanders.

Can Kellaway cement a starting spot? 

Andrew Kellaway will be happy to admit he didn’t have his best season last year, but the now 22-year old will have another full preseason and plenty of Super Rugby experience behind him heading into 2018. Kellaway’s form will have a major impact on the makeup of the Waratahs backline. If he can impress, Daryl Gibson can play Israel Folau at outside centre alongside Kurtley Beale. If he doesn’t Folau will likely push back to fullback and the No.13 jersey will become vacant. Kellaway, new recruit Lalakai Foketi or Irae Simone could all potentially fill that void.

Three set to battle for No.2 jersey

Tolu Latu, Damien Fitzpatrick and Hugh Roach all spent time in the Waratahs No.2 jersey last year but no one really stood up and claimed it as their own. Latu struggled for fitness last year and was publicly called out by Michael Cheika before earning a recall to the Test squad later in the year. Fitzpatrick also didn’t have his best season but will captain the Waratahs tonight against the Highlanders and get first crack at the No.2 jersey, with Roach set to play from the bench. Interestingly, early season form and game time will also be crucial looking ahead to the June Test series against Ireland, with the battle for the Wallabies No.2 jersey wide open and well and truly on.

Is Mack Mason Super Rugby ready? 

Now into his second season at the Waratahs, Mack Mason has made it clear that he wants to spend plenty of time playing Super Rugby this season. While he’ll play behind incumbent No.10, Bernard Foley, Mason’s first job is to cement a job on the Waratahs bench and while he may not be as versatile as Bryce Hegarty, he could still easily cover the No.10, 12 & 15 positions. After spending the past few preseasons packing on weight, a bigger bodied Mason hasn’t had that concern in 2018 and should have plenty of speed and spark if he gets a chance to start at flyhalf at some point this season.

New faces with nothing to lose

Anyone who has watched any Shute Shield over the past few seasons will know just how good Will Miller is, but what role will he play for the Waratahs this year after picking up his first full time contract? It’s hard to see Miller being picked ahead of Wallaby Michael Hooper, but he could be used as somewhat of a ‘supersub’ this year and inject plenty of energy in the late stages of a match. West Harbour backrower Kelly Meafua will also be looking to find some game time in the congested Waratahs backrow while Force recruits Curtis Rona, Alex Newsome and Shambecker Vui will also be keen to impress early this year.

The Waratahs play the Highlanders in Queenstown at 4pm (Sydney time) today.