Northern Districts have made three changes to their Shell Trophy side which plays Wellington at Hamilton starting on Thursday.

Former New Zealand representative Matthew Hart, Graeme Aldridge and Bruce Martin return to the side at the expense of Neal Parlane and Alex Tait. Scott Styris was not considered due to injury.

The State Northern Knights are in third place in the competition and if able to secure an outright win over Wellington they could catch the Firebirds who lead the competition.

The following team has been named for Thursday's game and the match against Central Districts, at Masterton, starting on February 6.

The team is: Rob Hart (captain), Graeme Aldridge, Mark Bailey, Grant Bradburn, Simon Doull, Matthew Hart, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Bruce Martin, Michael Parlane, Daryl Tuffey and Joseph Yovich.

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