NSW Waratahs fans might be asking Jed who?

But new Waratahs No.8 Jed Holloway says he’s ready to add pace and “X-factor” to the back row – and he has some heavy hitters tipping him for big things.

Heading into Saturday’s opening Super Rugby home clash with Queensland, the 23-year-old forward from Yamba on the NSW far north coast, has earned just a handful of caps, most of them in 2013.

Now he’s getting his shot at the position which Wallaby Wycliff Palu dominated in recent years.

At 195cms and with second-row experience, Holloway offers extra lineout options and some utility value to coach Daryl Gibson.

But he says he also wants to “bring my own game, which is a bit of extra speed in the back row and a bit of X-factor as well.

“So I’m really looking to stamp myself on the game and make an impact.”

With veteran Palu expected to be used primarily off the bench, Holloway has the chance to nail down a regular starting spot.

He and New Zealand-born prop Angus Ta’avao are the only non-Wallabies in the run-on pack for the clash with the Reds.

For a relatively unproven player, Holloway has plenty of high profile supporters.

Waratahs’ coach Daryl Gibson said Holloway was a quiet achiever.

“This is a big opportunity for him where he can cement himself as the number one starting No.8 in our team,” Gibson said.

“I think he’s a player of immense promise and when he realises just how good he can be, he’s going to be some player.”

Waratahs’ club captain and fellow backrower Dave Dennis is another admirer.

“He’s a good young player, he’s got exceptional pace for a big fellow,” Dennis said.

“Anyone who has seen him in the open (knows) he can really move and he’s a good worker.

“He’s going to be a great player for us moving forward.”