Melbourne Rising coach Zane Hilton has been forced to make six changes to the starting line-up ahead of Saturday’s NRC semi-final against NSW Country Eagles in Newcastle on Saturday.

The loss of Steve Cummins (head) and Lloyd Johansson (Achilles) to injuries against the Sydney Rays last weekend has further depleted the playing stocks but the Rising welcome back a number of key players for the knock-out final.

Wallabies Toby Smith, newly capped Sefa Naivalu and hooker James Hanson have been named for the semi-final, along with Jack Debreczeni, who returns from a groin injury.

Lock Alex Toolis has been promoted to the run-on team, while Dom Shipperley has been shifted to fullback and Jonah Placid moved to the wing.

“We’re excited by the enormity of the challenge this weekend, the Eagles have been the benchmark team all season, so we’ll head to Newcastle knowing that it will take our best 80-minute performance to get the job done,” Rising coach Zane Hilton said.

The Rising will be hoping it’s third time lucky in finals when they take on the minor premiers on Saturday after they went down to the Perth Spirit 45-29 in 2014 and the UC Vikings 50-34 in 2015.

The two sides have met once previously this season in round three when the Eagles, who led by 22 points at half-time, staved off a second-half resurgence from the Rising for a thrilling 32-30 win in Tamworth.

The two-point victory was the Eagles first win over the Rising after the Victorians claimed the first two meetings with a 37-16 victory in Round 5, 2014 in Orange and 23-16 win in Round 8, 2015 at Simonds Stadium in Geelong.

Melbourne Rising team to play NSW Country

Toby Smith, Pat Leafa, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Jeffries, Alex Toolis, Ikapote Tupai, Jordy Reid, Colby Fainga’a, Mick Snowden, Jack Debreczeni, Jonah Placid, Sione Tuipulotu, Tom English, Sefa Naivalu, Dom Shipperley. Reserves: James Hanson, Tom Moloney, Tim Metcher, Rob Valetini, Jordan Uelese, Keisuke Yamada, Taiso Silafai-Leaana, Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano.