Hawke's Bay product Tohu Harris is to make his debut for Melbourne as a starting back-rower in Friday night's World Club Challenge against Leeds.
Harris, a 21-year-old who was recruited from Wellington three years ago in a swoop that almost claimed Super Rugby star TJ Perenara as well, was handed his bow by coach Craig Bellamy on Wednesday when a 19-man squad was announced in Leeds for the Headingley clash.
Harris, whose father Paul is flying in for the game, replaces the unavailable Kevin Proctor, who has a damaged medial ligament in his left knee.
"He's probably one of the biggest players in our squad, outside of Jason Ryles, physically,'' Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said.
"He's very quiet but he loves reading and is very respectful and quietly determined.