Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn has named his side to take on the Blues at Suncorp Stadium for the Queensland Rugby Union’s annual Indigenous Round.
Josh Flook has been named to return at outside centre after recovering from a quad injury, with Sef Fa’agase starting at prop and Taj Annan at inside-centre in the other two changes to the starting XV who defeated the Chiefs in New Plymouth last round.
Scrumhalf Louis Werchon will potentially make his Super Rugby Pacific off the bench.
Thorn said: “It’s great to be back for our last home game this Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re looking forward to playing in front of our Queensland fans for Indigenous Round.
“We face another tough challenge in the Blues who are a top-five team in the competition. We look forward to another competitive game on Friday night.”
After scoring two tries in his first three Super Rugby games, George Blake retains his starting spot alongside Richie Asiata and Fa’agase in the front row.
Angus Blyth and Connor Vest again run-on in the second row, with the backrow trio of co-captain Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Seru Uru unchanged.
Lawson Creighton partners co-captain Tate McDermott in the halves, with Flook set to combine with Annan after James O’Connor was ruled out due to concussion.
Filipo Daugunu moves back to his preferred position on the wing alongside Suliasi Vunivalu and Jock Campbell in the back three.
Dane Zander and Taj Annan are new additions to the bench, while the likes of Matt Faessler, Harry Wilson and Ryan Smith will again provide impact as finishers after leading Queensland to a memorable win over the Chiefs last Friday.
The Round 13 match, which will be Queensland’s final home game of 2023, kicks off at 7:35pm at Suncorp Stadium.
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Queensland Reds v Blues, Friday 19 May. Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm AEST. Watch live on Stan Sport.
- George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
- Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
- Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
- Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
- Connor Vest – University of Queensland – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior Rugby Club
- Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
- Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
- Tate McDermott (cc) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
- Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College
- Filipo Daugunu – Wests – Dogotuki District School, Fjii
- Taj Annan – Souths – Brisbane Boys College – Merewether Carlton
- Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
- Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
- Dane Zander – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
- Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
- Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
- Louis Werchon* – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Maroochydore Swans
- Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
- Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
*denotes potential Super Rugby Pacific debut