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Jordan Petaia makes long-awaited return to the Reds after missing 2019
By Online Editors
Queensland's new-look attack will be unveiled in a Super Rugby trial game more than 200km inland of Brisbane after Jordan Petaia was named to face the Waratahs in Dalby.
The 19-year-old was injured in his second game for the Reds last season but sensationally returned during the World Cup, replacing James O'Connor for the quarter-final.
That pair will combine against the Waratahs on Friday night though, with O'Connor looking to build on his confident return at No.12 last weekend and Petaia set to start at outside centre.
Powered by the surging runs of Samu Kerevi last season, the Reds will look to that pair for a different way forward after the former captain's move to Japan.
Brumbies pick-up Henry Speight and Jock Campbell will start on the wings following incumbent Filipo Daugunu's five-match suspension for a dangerous tackle late in their big defeat of the Rebels.
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Isaac Lucas will wear No.10 and Bryce Hegarty will start at fullback, the pair to be tested by a strong Waratahs side led by new captain Rob Simmons.
The Dalby clash will mark the first in regional Queensland between the sides since they met in Toowoomba 11 years ago.
"It's great we can take another pre-season match to country Queensland," coach Brad Thorn said.
"As a group, we're looking forward to connecting with the Dalby community and the Waratahs will provide a good contest for us as we focus on our season opener against the Brumbies next week."
Reds: Dane Zander, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright (capt), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Isaac Lucas, Henry Speight, James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell, Bryce Hegarty. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dave Feao, Josh Nasser, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Moses Sorovi, Hamish Stewart, Ilaisa Droasese, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Sam Wallis, Hunter Paisami.
- AAP
Brad Thorn didn't have too much to complain about after last weekend's spanking of the Rebels:
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I think it was a better rugby destination for him.
He was developed in Melbourne and had a relatively brief stint there. I think he was possibly dropped out of the squad for the return of someone like To'omua (also a Melbourne local) in 2019 ahead of the RWC. But then he wasn't picked up by another Australian team and went to play in Japan when he only really seemed to play a hat full of top level games (maybe injured for long periods??) before he went on to Scotland. But it was only in Scotland that he started to get a lot of consistent game time and selection.
The thing is, no one talked about him being a missed opportunity in Australia before he left - a little like Mac Hansen. But he has been able to forge a top level career since leaving. Both men only had a handful (5 or 6?) games at Super Rugby level before they made a decision to leave (or had it made for them I suppose). Other countries have gone on to develop them and that is great for them and it is probably good for the global game as it means the best players are rising to the top - if not in their birth country than in another. I think there are a lot of issues with poor player development in Australia but I don't know if these two blokes are very good examples of it.
Go to commentsOk I understand. Give them my number please Nick.
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