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The Queensland Reds will be hoping for a big win over the Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane as they desperately try to stop their slide down the ladder and build some momentum into the finals. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:45pm AEST.
The Reds haven’t won since round nine when they snuck past the Rebels. In the weeks since, they’ve been undone by the Kiwi sides time after time and all their form and momentum has been blown away. Today they should pick up a win but they will need to go big. They are five points behind the Chiefs who are in fourth place but the Reds’ final game of the regular season is away to the Crusaders and so this could be their last chance to pick up maximum points and make a move for the finals.
The good news for the Queenslanders is that crucial back rowers Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight are back and will join forces with Seru Uru.
Hamish Stewart returns to the starting line up and will play just outside James O’Connor. JOC is playing his 50th match for the Reds but it feels like he’s been there longer. He’s absolutely crucial to the Reds hopes of silverware this season and with no Hunter Paisami, he will be missing a key weapon in his backline.
For Moana Pasifika, there are some exciting changes to their line up. Up front there’s good stability and consistency in the back row while Abraham Pole starts at prop having become the team’s top try scorer this season after crossing the white line for the fourth time last week.
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Jonathan Taumateine and Christian Lealiifano are brought back into the halves to bring a combination of youth and experience while the in form centres of Danny Toala and Solomone Kata play together again. They’ve been one of the highlights of the Pasifika’s opening season and the Reds will have to watch them very carefully.
Game Information
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEST) Live stream:Stan Sport Betting: Reds $1.07, Moana Pasifika $8.00 – odds via PlayUp
Reds (1-15): Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
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Reserves:Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu.
Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Michael Curry, Sam Slade, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Henry Time-Stowers, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Solomone Kata, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili.
Reserves:Luteru Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe ‘Apiokotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Henry Taefu.
