Josh Flook set for milestone as Reds make eight changes to starting side

Rising star Josh Flook will play his 50th game for Queensland on Saturday night when the Reds host the Western Force in a blockbuster Australian derby at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

With the ninth-placed Force looking to sneak into the top eight before the end of the regular season, they’re a somewhat desperate side who aren’t be taken lightly by the Reds.

Queensland were beaten by the Force – and quite emphatically too – earlier this season, and while the Reds can’t move any higher than fifth, momentum is crucial at this time of year.

“We recognise we need to be at our best against the Force,” coach Les Kiss said in a statement. “They have found their groove over the past five weeks.

“They have been playing some impressive rugby.

“We are looking forward to playing strongly at Suncorp Stadium in our last home game before the finals.”

One of the stories of the week is Josh Flook lining up for his 50^th Queensland Reds appearance. Flook is widely considered a Wallaby-in-waiting and this is another important milestone.

Flook comes in as one of eight changes to the starting side which also includes the return of Tom Lynagh in the No. 10 jersey.

“(Flook) personifies the quality of a player who the players love to play with and coaches love to coach,” Kiss explained.

“’Flooky’ has excellent timing in attack and defence and that helps give him the upper hand in playing outside centre.

“He’s having a season he can be very proud of. To reach 50 games for Queensland is well deserved.”

Former All Black Alex Hodgman comes into the side at loosehead prop after an 80-minute with Sunnybank last weekend. Matt Faessler is also back at hooker while another former All Black in Jeffery Toomaga-Allen will line up at tighthead prop.

Seru Uru and Ryan Smith are the two locks, while co-captain Liam Wright joins Fraser McReight and John Bryant in the backrow.

Co-captain Tate McDermott starts at halfback for the second week in a row and will partner Lynagh in the halves. Hunter Paisami and Flook are outside the pair in the midfield.

Toowoomba-product Mac Grealy will start on the left wing, with try-scoring phenomenon Tim Ryan on the other, and the always-reliable Jock Campbell out the back.

This highly anticipated Australian derby at Suncorp Stadium is set to get underway at 7:35 pm NZT on Saturday evening.

Queensland Reds to take on Western Force

1. Alex Hodgman
2. Matt Faessler
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
4. Seru Uru
5. Ryan Smith
6. Liam Wright (cc)
7. Fraser McReight
8. John Bryant
9. Tate McDermott (cc)
10. Tom Lynagh
11. Mac Grealy
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Josh Flook
14. Tim Ryan
15. Jock Campbell

Replacements

16. Josh Nasser
17. Sef Fa’agase
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Connor Vest
20. Joe Brial
21. Kalani Thomas
22. James O’Connor
23. Taj Annan