“It was frustrating not being able to play last week but the injury needed time to settle,” Wells told kangaroos.com.au.

The Roos come up against a Brisbane outfit which has found some recent form and the experience of Wells could prove vital.

“They’ve (Brisbane) obviously got an experienced and hard midfield but I’m hoping to have an impact on the game and continue to increase my own intensity and run.”

A month of strong performances in the VFL has given to Ed Lower a chance to play his first game of the season.

Lower has waited patiently in the wings while recovering from a broken leg, but finally gets an opportunity after racking up 29 possessions and nine tackles on the weekend.

“I felt I had a good pre-season and it was hard to have to miss so many games through injury but I’m really happy with where my fitness is at,” Lower said.

His North Ballarat teammate Cruize Garlett was also pivotal in the Roosters’ 13-point win with 29 possessions, giving coach Brad Scott little choice but to promote him to the seniors.

North Melbourne will miss the experience of Drew Petrie who succumbed to a foot injury, while Leigh Harding will again have to prove himself in the VFL before being considered for a recall.

Some promising signs from youngster Nathan O’Keefe in his first two matches were not enough help him keep his spot. The 19 year-old pulled down six marks against the Dockers, but the search for pace in the middle means he’ll need a big game at Werribee for a return.

Backs: M.Firrito 11 S.Thompson 16 B.Rawlings 3
Half Backs: L.Hansen 6 N.Grima 17 D.Pratt 30
Centreline: J.Ziebell 7 C.Garlett 32 R.Bastinac 28
Half Forwards: S.Wright 19 T.Goldstein 22 B.Harvey 29
Forwards: D.Wells 8 D.Hale 31 L.Thomas 12
Followers: H.McIntosh 1 A.Swallow 9 L.Greenwood 24
Interchange: S.McMahon 42 E.Lower 2 B.Cunnington 10 M.Campbell 33
Emergencies: C.Jones 21 N.O'Keefe 23 B.Norris 37

In: D.Wells, E.Lower, C.Garlett
Out: D.Petrie (foot) , L.Harding , N.O'Keefe