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Reds aim to 'Beat the Blues' with the return of Wallaby Izack Rodda
By Online Editors
The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s match against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.
Lock Izack Rodda returns from his Wallabies rest week, as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto sits out for the same reason this match in accordance with Rugby Australia’s workload management policy.
After making his Super Rugby debut against the Jaguares last weekend, Scott Malolua will start for the first time at scrumhalf in favour of Tate McDermott who’s sidelined with an ankle injury.
While Alex Mafi comes back into the starting side at hooker with Brandon Paenga-Amosa dropping to the bench and Moses Sorovi back in the 23 this week.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “Izack Rodda sat out last week’s match as requested by Rugby Australia. This week it’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s turn to have his Wallabies rest.
“Tate McDermott is out with an ankle injury. Scott Malolua takes his place in the starting side for the first time. Scott made his Queensland debut off the bench last week and embraced the contest against a team filled with Test players. He deserves this opportunity.
“We’re playing in front of our Queensland fans for the final time this year. We thank them for their support and look forward to seeing them on Friday night,” said Thorn.
Themed ‘Beat the Blues’ – Friday’s match will be the Reds’ first ever Super Rugby Mental Health Round.
The game will raise awareness of mental health issues within Rugby as part of the Queensland Rugby Union’s (QRU) Rugby Unite mental health program.
The world-first Rugby Unite program, in partnership with the Queensland Government and the Queensland Mental Health Commission, provides mental health awareness sessions and volunteer training at all Queensland rugby clubs.
Reds: Bryce Hegarty, Jock Campbell, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Filipo Daugunu, Matt McGahan, Scott Malolua, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Angus Blyth, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, JP Smith. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ruan Smith, Gav Luka, Harry Hockings, Adam Korczyk, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia’aua, Hamish Stewart.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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