Ben Donaldson will start at flyhalf for the NSW Waratahs this weekend in their final hit-out before the Super Rugby Pacific season kicks off.

Emerging flyhalf Ben Donaldson will have first crack at the No.10 jersey for the NSW Waratahs this season.

The 22-year-old has been named in the halves with captain Jake Gordon for the Waratahs' trip to Roma to take on the Queensland Reds on Saturday in their final trial game before the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Donaldson beat out Tane Edmed and the injured Will Harrison in what is a near full-strength line-up for the Waratahs.

Vice-captain Alex Newsome, who himself has been named at full-back for the trial contest, said Donaldson had the right manner for the vital role.

"Benny is just such a good, calm, level-headed guy, it's good to have that in that playmaking seat there at No.10," he said.

"He's got great skills, his passing and kicking are really good which is essential for a good flyhalf. We used to call him 'Bernie Larkham' when he first came on the scene, I reckon he's just got that calmness at 10.

"His speed is underestimated, he's got that graceful running style and can slide through a gap, as you saw against the Brumbies a couple of weeks ago."

Newsome, who's named alongside red-hot James Turner and Dylan Pietsch in the back three, said competition for spots was serving the side well.

"For me it's a position that I've played a bit of coming through the pathway and played a Super game there as well. It's a great position, you've got a bit of a licence to roam and attack," he said.

"Right across the squad there's been additions in every position that have just added to the depth. (Coach) Darren Coleman has got quite a direct style and he'll challenge individuals on their performance every day at training."

Former Welsh international Jamie Roberts has been named for his new club for the first time on the bench.

Newsome said the side would attack the contest head-on with their round-one clash against Fijian Drua next Friday night.