Team Motul Suzuki has announced that New Zealander Rhys Carter will line-up alongside Matt Moss in the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals, commencing this Sunday at Broadford in Victoria.

Carter, 24, replaces Honda-bound countryman Cody Cooper on the second factory-supported RM-Z450 in 2014, aiming to gain momentum as the season progresses and his experience builds.

Its a career opportunity for Carter, who finished sixth in the MX2 standings as a privateer last season in an effort that put him on Suzuki’s MX1 radar to partner Moss.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m really excited,” Carter commented. “Obviously the team won two championships last year with Matt and their knowledge is invaluable.

“It’s been really positive so far, there’s not too much expectation on me, but I know where I want to be and I feel like I can do a good job. We’ll gel with everything and then go from there.”

Team Motul Suzuki manager Jay Foreman is confident that Carter can shine in his rookie season, despite limited 450 experience during his career.

“I believe Rhys will surprise a lot of people, he’s got good bike skills and he’s dedicated to training so it’s just a matter of getting stronger throughout the season for him,” Foreman said.

Carter has been preparing in New Zealand, finishing seventh in the MX2 series before travelling to Australia this week for Broadford.