Bulky red-headed American Russ Winger tested out the throwing circle at Glendale’s Hunter Sports Centre yesterday and the man from Colorado Springs, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, means business.

‘‘I was talking to my manager last fall and he mentioned there was going to be an Australian circuit this year and I just kept asking about it and finally we put together an itinerary that made sense,’’ Winger said.

‘‘It adds to my preparation to the Olympic trials in June and it’s good timing.

‘‘I’ve always wanted to come to Australia, so I’m super pumped to be here.’’

Winger, 27, will compete in the shot put tonight but his discus battle with Harradine is expected to generate most interest.

Harradine, 29, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, has a personal best of 66.45metres, which he threw in Croatia in 2010.

Winger’s PB is 66.04m.

‘‘It makes for a good competition when you have blokes who can potentially beat you and push you along to get better results,’’ Harradine said.

‘‘At this stage I’m only two weeks back in the circle. I’m not 100per cent fit at the moment and it’s going to be hard to beat him.’’

It will be the first time Harradine has competed in Newcastle since 2001.

The London-bound Olympian is recovering from a quadriceps injury which could restrict his power.

‘‘I’ve got to be careful as London is my biggest focus, so I don’t want to be taking any unnecessary risks.’’

Winger is on the comeback trail in shot put. After the disappointment of narrowly missing out on Olympic selection in 2008 and the world championships last year, the Colorado giant has adjusted his throwing style.

Winger and Harradine are good friends having competed against each other for five years.

‘‘Having Benn here was a big draw as well,’’ Winger said. ‘‘Benn’s a great guy and he’s a riot. He cracks me up all the time.’’