Diarmuid Cody will make his Kilkenny debut in today's Allianz League opening round encounter with Waterford at Walsh Park.

The James Stephens youngster has been given his first competitive start for the seniors as his father Brian reveals a strong line-up to meet their near neighbours.

Twelve of the starting fifteen from last year's All-Ireland final are named with Michael Fennelly, Ger Aylward (injured) and Eoin Larkin (army duty) being the three absentees.

Cillian Buckley fills in for Fennelly at midfield while Cody takes his position at wing-back.

Meanwhile, in attack, Jonjo Farrell and Mark Kelly replace Aylward and Larkin in the corners.

Kilkenny (NHL v Waterford): Eoin Murphy; Paul Murphy, Joey Holden, Shane Prendergast; Padraig Walsh, Kieran Joyce, Diarmuid Cody; Cillian Buckley, Conor Fogarty; Walter Walsh, Richie Hogan, TJ Reid; Jonjo Farrell, Colin Fennelly, Mark Kelly.

Subs: Richie Reid, Jackie Tyrrell, Brian Kennedy, Conor O'Shea, Robert Lennon, Lester Ryan, Michael Malone, Conor Martin, James Maher, Kevin Kelly, John Power.

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