Selectors and coaches Rob Campbell and Andy Homuk are taking a squad of 25 to represent the Mount Isa Rugby Union (MIRU) against a traditionally powerful Cairns team.

The clash will be the curtain-raiser to the Reds and ACT Brumbies trial match.

Forwards coach Campbell said he expected a tough battle up front with Mount Isa's strength in the forwards.

"We haven't been able to select probably our biggest backline but our forward pack is looking pretty good," he said.

Campbell said he was looking forward to seeing Warrigals and Cloncurry breakaways Jeremy Biggelaar and Hamish Chrisp working together.

"Those guys have probably been two of the best players in the competition for their clubs," he said.

"They are both hard workers who keep going all game and are able to create turnovers at the breakdown. Their performances will go a long way to shaping the outcome of the game."

Campbell said the experience of Cameron Moore, Dan Leyden and Simon Ishmael would be needed to counter what he believes will be a strong Cairns pack.

Former Mount Isa representative five-eighth Andy Homuk has been working with the backline and said the key to success against Cairns would be ball control.

"I've told them that they would be in serious trouble if they dropped the ball," he said.

With unavailability playing a part in selections, Homuk said the backline would not have the size to bust through the Cairns defence but it certainly had the pace to run around it.

"I think we will be looking to use our speed, skill and youth to create chances from open play," he said.

"Guys like Alex Ambia, Allan Tokowa, Matt and George Toby and Ashley Hema will be dangerous from broken play."

The last time Mount Isa and Cairns met the team from the coast snatched victory late in the game.