Wallabies lock Will Skelton will make his Western Sydney Rams debut against Brisbane City at Ballymore tomorrow.

The 203cm, 140kg forward came off the bench in last weekend’s loss to the All Blacks and has been released to play in Saturday’s National Rugby Championship match, ahead of next weekend’s crucial Rugby Championship clash against South Africa.

“It’s good to be back home with the Rams, I trained with the guys last night and it was good to see the boys and work through the finer stuff for this weekend’s game,” Skelton said.

“I grew up in the west and a few of the boys I grew up with and went to school with are in the side so it’s great to be back with them. David Lolohea and I played all our school rugby together at Hills Sports. We actually went on a rugby trip to Japan together and had a lot of fun so it’s great to be back playing with him.”

Despite growing up in western Sydney, Skelton linked with Sydney University after finishing school but the 24-year old said he certainly hasn’t forgotten his western roots.

“It’s really important for the growth of the game that we tap into the player pool out in Western Sydney. It’s a rugby league dominated area so I think we need to take every chance we get to get back in the west and help promote rugby and the NRC is a big part of that.

“Obviously I want to play with the Wallabies as much as possible, I’m always striving for that, but if I do get the chance to play more NRC, I’ll definitely put my hand up. Not only does it help me, but also hopefully it can help the Rams and help rugby in western Sydney.”

Skelton’s Rams were beaten by the Sydney Rays 50-30 in their season opener last weekend and travel to face the two-time defending premiers in round two.

An understrength Brisbane City side fell short against NSW Country in Sydney last weekend, but Skelton said his side wasn’t looking too much into that result.

“They are a quality opposition, particularly with Nick Frisby back and Jake McIntyre, they are quality halves.

“I think we just need to focus on our game. We are still learning the shape and style, but I think what Muggo (John Muggleton) and JP (Jeremy Paul) are trying to implement will work.”

Skelton will line up directly against young Queensland Reds star Lukhan Tui on Saturday. At 121kg, the 19-year old has been likened to a young Skelton and earned four Super Rugby caps this year.

“He was in the Waratahs system for a few years before he went to Queensland. He’s a quality player and I love playing against young locks that are trying to showcase what they can do, so it’ll be a good battle,” Skelton said.

Following two losses to the All Blacks, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is expected to make changes to his side for the upcoming matches against South Africa and Argentina.

Skelton has only played a handful of minutes since the Super Rugby season ended and said he would use Saturday’s match to try and work his way into the Wallabies starting XV.

“I think every game you play, you are trying to impress the coaches but I’m not going to force anything this week, I just want to have fun.

“I haven’t played much footy, so I’m looking forward to getting plenty of minutes under my belt. The NRC is free flowing and there is always lots of attacking footy. Hopefully the weather holds off because I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the ball.”