Orange has eight regular players unavailable, including skipper Matt Findlay and vice captain Lincoln Duncan, and selectors sent an SOS to two of Orange’s most experienced veterans.

Cavaliers captain Richie Venner and Waratahs all-rounder Matt Brakenridge will once again don the baggy blue on Sunday.

After having trouble filling more than eight places in the squad originally, coach Steve Ryan approached Venner and Brakenridge.

“They are both very happy to help out,” Ryan said.

“Neither want to impose themselves on the team and are here to help. Rich would warrant selection if he were available all the time and Brak was in our thoughts anyway.

“It’s great to have that bit of experience in the squad, especially with Finners and Dunc out.”

Cavaliers vice captain James Ryan will take the reins as captain in a move endorsed by all three selectors and current skipper Findlay.

“We talked about it a lot, and we thought he was the best candidate,” the Orange coach said.

“Dunc would be captain if he was there but it is a big chance for James.”

“He’ll be fine,” Findlay added.

“He’s done the job and done it well for Cavaliers and he’s got plenty of help around him. We have complete faith in him.”

After a monstrous capitulation against Blue Mountains two Sundays ago Orange is looking to get back on track at Wade Park.

Ryan said it was perfect timing for the two Orange stalwarts to return to the fray, and the mix of youth and experience puts Orange in good stead.

“The young guys like Litchy, Warro and James are scoring runs, as are the older guys,” Ryan said.

“It might help having the older heads around to keep the young guys in check.

“With our bowling attack, and a solid batting line-up we’re going in very confident.”