Reds name 10 Wallabies in starting side for team’s season-opener

Coach Les Kiss has named a star-studded side to take on Moana Pasifika at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, with the likes of Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and Tate McDermott headlining a 10-man strong Wallabies contingent in the starting side alone.

After a successful two-match tour of the United Kingdom, which saw the Reds put 80 points on English Premiership contenders Bristol Bears and triumph in a thriller over Ulster in Belfast, the Reds are raring to go in Super Rugby Pacific after a round one bye week.

McDermott will captain the Reds against Moana Pasifika, while backrower McReight will serve as vice-captain for the intriguing matchup. Tom Lynagh will steer the attack as the team’s chief playmaker, while Tim ‘Junkyard Dog’ Ryan is one to watch on the right wing.

Moana Pasifika looking to bounce back after going down 45-44 in a thriller to the Western Force at Perth’s HBF Park last time out, and the Reds are more than aware of the challenge that awaits against a side that includes 94-Test All Black Ardie Savea.

“The boys are eager to play in front of family, friends and fans at Suncorp Stadium after the months of hard work they have put in and a pre-season tour in the UK,” Kiss said in a statement.

“We’ve worked at adding to our game. Now, we have to be prepared to stick to what our game is and play to our strengths.

“We know how big the challenge will be from Moana Pasifika. They play a tough, physical and adventurous game and stretched the Western Force to full-time last weekend.

“They scored six tries against the Force when their speed of play off turnovers was a feature. AS a I say, we have to be prepared to work hard.”

Sef Fa’agase and Richie Asiata join debutant Massimo De Lutiis in the starting front-row, with the youngster set to make his mark at Super Rugby level for the first time. De Lutiis has impressed in Queensland colours during six appearances against overseas teams.

Former Melbourne Rebels enforcer Josh Canham starts in the second-row alongside Ryan Smith, while Seru Uru, McReight and Wallabies captain Wilson round out the starting forward pack that certainly packs a lunch.

Outside of the halves duo of McDermott and Lynagh, Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will look to combine, with the latter having made their Test debut for the Wallabies last year. Filipo Daugunu returns to Reds colours on the left edge, while Jock Campbell lines up at fullback.

On the bench, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr and Angus Blyth all bring international experience with them. Playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is another Reds player to watch this season, with the fly-half impressing for Australia U20 again in 2024.

“Masimo has already shown his capabilities in the Queensland jersey during our international games,” Kiss added. “He is a very coachable young man who is determined to keep getting better.

“You look further to players who have joined us like Josh Canham and Filipo Daugunu.

“Josh has flourished at lock in his time with us and Filipo’s physicality in the backs will be needed in a game like this.

“In a highly-competition space, Richie Asiata will start at hooker and it will continue to be that way with the great options we have in that position.”

Queensland Reds v Moana Pasifika
Friday, February 21
Suncorp Stadium
6:35pm AEST
Watch live Stan Sport

1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors

2. Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School

3. Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School - Surfers Paradise Dolphins

4. Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb

5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes

6. Seru Uru – Wests - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji

7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Tate McDermott (c) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC

10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK

11. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji

12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland

13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers

14. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe

15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders

Reserves:
16. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
17. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney