'Time for them to step up': Drew Mitchell's players to watch in Super Rugby AU

From emerging stars to cross-code converts to players with a point to prove, 71-Test Wallaby Drew Mitchell has had his say on the players to watch during Super Rugby AU.

Mitchell will form part of Nine and Stan Sport's new-look commentary team as Australian rugby embarks on a new era with the free-to-air network and streaming service combination, with a 30-day free trial on offer to fans for a limited time.

A new broadcast deal opens the code to a brand new market, and these are the five players to watch in Super Rugby AU's exciting new era.

The ACT Brumbies fullback shows glimpses of brilliance that are readymade highlight reels - now the challenge is converting those moments into the standard.

Banks has been jostling for the Wallabies' No. 15 jersey with Melbourne Rebels captain Dane Haylett-Petty.

But a concussion will keep Haylett-Petty sidelined for the opening stages of the Super Rugby AU season, giving Banks a chance to stake his claim as the nation's premier fullback.

"It's time for players to step up who have been there or thereabouts for a few years, it's an opportunity for them to cement their positions in that Wallaby jersey," Mitchell said.

"Guys like Tom Banks, he has been in that system for a couple of years. He is definitely capable, but now he has just got to put it all together and cement that 15 jersey.

"It's just about consistency to make sure he is in every game and he is contributing, and he makes his mark on each game.

"He is tremendously talented and we see glimpses of it, we just need to see more. For him, his progression is not for it to be glimpses, it has now got to be the standard of how he plays game in, game out."

Queensland Reds recruit Suliasi Vunivalu seemingly walked away from rugby league at the peak of his powers.

Five seasons with NRL powerhouse Melbourne bore four grand final appearances and two premierships. But he left it all behind and within weeks was training with the Wallabies.

Vunivalu was never going to play in Dave Rennie's side last year, but the fact he was drafted into camp so soon suggests the Wallabies mentor expects big things from the Fijian flyer.

"We're all looking forward to seeing Vunivalu play, coming across from rugby league up there at the Reds. He's an absolute specimen of an athlete," Mitchell said.

"Hopefully we get to see him in some clean space, but also that aerial work he is capable of. Get him in one-on-ones down in that attacking zone, and just let him soar above some people, it'll be good to watch.

"They were a strong side last year and they're going to be better for it now. Another year for James O'Connor at 10, another season for Tate McDermott to step up and lead with James in the halves.

"They've got the game, they've got the personnel, they've just got to make sure they put it together."

He's the electric 190cm flyer the NSW Waratahs laud as "the best aerial guy in the competition" who looks dangerous with every tough.

But if young gun Mark Nawaqanitawase - that's Nuh-wang-gah-knee-tah-wahzay - has a last name a little tough to wrap your head around, he's happy if you "just call me Mark"

The 20-year-old forms a key part of the Waratahs back line with sublime skills that reflect his Fijian heritage.

Think flick passes, think electric footwork, think the kind of play that will lift Super Rugby fans out of their seat, and that's what you get from Nawaqanitawase.

You might know him already as "Tongan Thor".

This Tongan-born 24-year-old shot to fame as an internet sensation when his schoolboy highlight reels of big hits and barnstorming runs went viral.

The hulking prop tips the scales at 132 kilograms but boasts raw power and pace that saw New Zealand rugby bosses keen to get their hands on him as an Auckland schoolboy.

But he grew up in Tonga supporting the Wallabies and now he plays a key role in both Queensland and Australia's front-row.

The exciting part for those well versed in the arts of the front-row? Tupou's best is yet to come.

A game desperate to capitalise on some free air time before rival codes kick off needs excitement machines - those players that can take the game by the scruff of the neck.

The Western Force may have found one of their own in 20-year-old winger Byron Ralston, who burst onto the scene to score the club's first try in their Super Rugby return last year.

The Force would ultimately go 0-8 in their comeback season but they enter a new year looking far more formidable across the park.

"I was really impressed with Ralston on the wing, the way he goes and gets involved. He doesn't wait for the game to come to him, he takes it on himself," Mitchell said.

"Even [Richard] Kahui was good in that trial. Their four Argentinians [Santiago Medrano, Tomas Lezana, Domingo Miotti and Tomas Cubelli], Tevita Kuridrani, Tom Robertson. They've got some pretty key personnel that have made their squad look a little bit more formidable than last year."