Queensland Reds fans will get a glimpse into the future on Saturday with plenty of fresh faces set to play during the team’s first Super Rugby pre-season trial against the Crusaders.
The 30-man squad named on Thursday for the Ballymore clash features 20 returning Reds and 10 players who will be pulling on the Queensland jersey for the first time.
The newcomers include former NRL winger Eto Nabuli, former Rebels lock Caderyn Neville and boom prop Taniela Tupou – better known as the Tongan Thor – who will come off the bench.
Unheralded halves pairing Jake McIntyre and Nick Frisby have been handed first crack at succeeding departed Wallabies Quade Cooper and Will Genia, while Karmichael Hunt will begin his 2016 redemption mission at fullback.
Stand-in captain Rob Simmons, filling in for the injured James Slipper, will lead the Reds onto Ballymore in his first match since last year’s World Cup.
“I’m excited by the progress we’ve made physically in the pre-season but it’s now about testing ourselves under pressure,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.
“There is a lot of competition for spots and that’s a good position to be in.”
Queensland Reds:
1. Ben Daley
2. Andrew Ready
3. Sam Talakai
4. Cadeyrn Neville
5. Rob Simmons (C)
6. Lolo Fakaosilea
7. Liam Gill
8. Jake Schatz
9. Nick Frisby
10. Jake McIntyre
11. Eto Nabuli
12. Henry Taefu
13. Samu Kerevi
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
15. Karmichael Hunt
Reserves:
Saia Fainga’a
Sef Fa’agase
Taniela Tupou
Ben Matwijow
Lukhan Tui
Curtis Browning
Maclean Jones
Michael Gunn
James Tuttle
Mack Mason
Chris Kuridrani
Duncan Paia’aua
Campbell Magnay
Alex Gibbon
Sam Greene
boonzie
Guest
Send him back to tah land then ! I'd take him back any day!
Lroy
Guest
For mine the exciting news is Neville, didnt even realize the Reds had signed him. Im surprised the Wallabies didnt take a punt on him and take him to the world cup to be honest (assuming he wasnt injured of course). On paper it looks like a decent side. So lets see how they go.
Armchair sportsfan
Guest
What is it with Aussie journos and the word 'boom'.....
Not Bothered
Guest
Didnt we work out that hes a much better 12? No. Kerevi is not a much better 12.
RobC
Roar Guru
James, I think its more about Henry Taefu. He's done the job at 12 for City. I do agree Samu K is the 12 that WBs and Reds should develop, starting now. I think Special K will excel at 13. Good D, tackler, wiley player / organiser, and leads people. I believe Goromaru will be the 15. Gosh, I miss ADAM THOMPSON already!!!!! Come back Adam!!!!
RobC
Roar Guru
Tan Tup, will do well, considering his age and tenure. Key is not to try too hard. And keep injure free. There's this story about an old bull, a young bull and a field full of cows... I am really looking forward to: - Ben Matwijow - Lukhan Tui
soapit
Guest
was expecting kerevi and hunt or cfs
Ken
Guest
I`ve never like DOUGLAS after that 2013 test series .He just goes missing in big games too often.. His 3 test 2013 British Lions series was an absolute disaster. Go watch it.. HORRENDOUS... Neville never got a real crack at the REBELS....Don`t know why
Ken
Guest
Yep agree again , CFS needs to up the workrate big time..Yes he has had injuries ,but at 22 he needs to come good..5 years in super rugby.....It`s time mate.. SCHATZ ANT FAAINGA BROWNING and DALEY( will he get better or worse) heads on the block for me as well...
ethan
Guest
I think it's been decided that RG doesn't receive our memos. Laoloifi and JJT can both play fullback but interesting to see that neither were named. I wonder if they are injured, and our backline is shuffled accordingly. Magnay and CFS can both play centre while Ant Faingaa is out injured.
Ken
Guest
Agree jamewm 12 is is best posi.. Looks like RG is trying shuffle Kerevi to plug a hole at 13 Kerevi is a better 12 .RG seems to think we don`t have any capable outside centres??
ethan
Guest
Interesting that you don't rate the WB who played excellently at the World Cup (Albeit against expectations), yet you highly rate the guy who couldn't get game time at the Rebels. I sincerely hope you are right about Neville, as he has shown plenty of promise. Just an interesting comparison you made.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Has to be a make or break season for Chris F-Sautia for mine. Got to start living up to the hype soon. Don't need another dud like Aiden Toua. Yes, I know they both had injuries so I've taken that into account.
Jameswm
Guest
Kerevi at 13? Didn't we all work out he's a much better 12? If Hunt is at 15, what other centres do Qld have?
Jameswm
Guest
He is - just needs some good coaching and a good environment.
Hello
Roar Rookie
Very interested to se e how the front row go especially THP
Ken
Guest
Good Second row ,best we can field IMO . I don`t rate Kane Douglas at all...Neville is a Wallaby in the making..He is a beast..
ethan
Guest
Should be a good hit out for the Brisbane City boys.
Marto
Guest
Jake " I`m going backwards on roller skates " Schatz at number 8 ?? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
PeterK
Roar Guru
close to full strength starting team outside the front row.