The region's rising stars will journey deep into rival territory at Sale to try for the three-peat.

Highlanders captain Jarrod Burns has not heard a lot about grand final opponent Gippsland but he expects a tough contest in the one-day showdown.

This Gippsland Pride crop were dominant at under-18 and under-16 levels.

Burns said there were plenty of expectations on him and his team to keep the Highlanders' flag flying.

"This is my first year as captain and I really want to win this premiership."

Grant Bell, Tyler Dittloff, Tim Miller, Robert Ryan and Burns return from the 2008 team.

All five played a key role in last season's grand final and will add valuable experience.

Mt Clear wicketkeeper/batsman Matt Ward will replace ill keeper Lachlan Anderson, a late withdrawal mid-week.

Burns said the big-hitting Mountie should fit in nicely.

"It's definitely going to help having experience ... if everyone does their role we should be fine."

Sam McVitty and Sam Bartlett are tipped to open the batting.

Bartlett anchored the Highlanders' order with a century in the semi-finals against Western Waves in Horsham and, like his captain, can offer a handy medium-pace bowling option.

Hard-hitting middle-order batsmen Grant Bell and Sam Johnston could also bolster the bowling line-up as medium-pacers.

Opening bowler Brad Hallam with fellow pacemen Matt Ringin and Andrew Maconachie should add plenty of energy in attack.

Left-arm paceman Tyler Dittloff has also been fine-tuning his spin, while the Highlanders will again sport two left-arm orthodox bowlers Tim Miller and Robert Ryan.

Play starts at 11am at the Sale Cricket Ground.