Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has revealed a cluster of emerging players and one familiar face are on his radar in the battle for back-row spots in his first squad of the season.
A squad of around 33 will be named next Tuesday for the June home Tests against Fiji, Scotland and Italy,
While superstar flanker David Pocock is on sabbatical, Cheika believes there are plenty of players vying for back-row spots.
Stalwarts like Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy will be joined by some less experienced players with the possibility of at least one uncapped back-rower making the squad.
'We like what we've seen from (the Reds Adam) Korczyk and (the Waratahs Ned) Hanigan, these young guys coming through, definitely not finished articles," Cheika said.
"I've said before I like (the Force's Richard) Hardwick too, so there's a fair bit of depth there.
"I think it's going to be an interesting competition for a spot and more about who can go up a level and make it into the gold jersey."
One proven international attracting Cheika's attention is Queendland's 30-year-old No.8 Scott Higginbotham, the most prolific tryscoring forward in Super Rugby history.
The most recent of his 32 Tests was back in July 2015 and he failed to make the World Cup squad announced the next month.
"The guy I haven't mentioned at all this year, but at some stage you have to mention him is Higginbotham," Cheika said.
"He's kept his chin up and he's stuck at it. And we know what he's about now and we'll have to consider where he sits in the picture."
Other potential pieces of Cheika's back-row puzzle include Rebels' duo Sean McMahon and Lopeti Timani, who have recently returned from injury and suspension respectively.
"They need to get their fitness up and running, but the signs are looking good there for them as well," he said.
Cheika had hoped Waratahs flanker Jack Dempsey would be pushing for a Test spot after going on last year's spring tour as a development player, but a foot injury has sidelined him for the last two months.
"I was hearing he'll play club rugby this week which is a positive," Cheika said of Dempsey, who is set to fly to New Zealand on Sunday to join the Waratahs squad, ahead of their game against the Chiefs in Hamilton the following weekend.
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