Wallaby Liam Wright in line for long-awaited return with Queensland Reds

Backrower Liam Wright is in line to play a competitive professional rugby match for the first time since captaining Australia against Wales last July. Wright has been named on the Queensland Reds’ bench ahead of their clash with the Western Force in Perth.

After sustaining a shoulder injury during the July internationals, Wright has been sidelined for quite some time, but has worked hard during the rehabilitation process. Wearing the No. 20 jumper, the Anglican Church Grammar School Old Boy will look to make an impact.

Coach Les Kiss has otherwise made six changes to the starting side. Fullback Jock Campbell has been ruled out with an injury, while midfielder Hunter Paisami will miss the Australian derby out west through suspension.

Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson and Heremaia Murray will all get a chance to run out in the starting side for the first time this season. The rest of the side remains quite settled after the Reds’ 20-point win over Moana Pasifika.

“We had good things come through under pressure when we aimed up against Moana Pasifika last Friday night in our first game,” coach Les Kiss said in a statement.

“We know the Force have been impressive and are certainly showing the appetite to play for 80 minutes. They’ll be confident on home turf so it’s not going to be an easy road trip.

“It’s a challenge we are all looking forward to.

“It’s fantastic to see Liam Wright back to fill fitness. The value he adds to our game is immense and the lineout is just one element. His experience will be important at the backend of the game.”

Sef Fa’agase joins Faessler and Nonggorr in the front row, while Ryan Smith will partner Blyth in the second row. Seru Uru, Fraser McReight and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson round out the First XV, with the formidable loose forward trio linking up once again in round three.

Captain Tate McDermott leads the way at halfback, while tom Lynagh join the skipper in the halves. Pakeho and Josh Flook will form a new-look midfield, while Filipo Daugunu joins Anderson and Murray in the outside backs.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Jock to injury and Hunter to suspension but it’s great to have such backline options,” Kiss added.

“Dre’s maturity over the past 12 months and his preparation has been brilliant. The boys have confidence in him.

“Lachie Anderson has punch, power and pace. It’s a chance for him and a great opportunity to see Tim’s wares from the bench.

“Heremaia has Super Rugby experience and is a very smart footballer. He has been with us since touring Japan late last year.”

This match at Perth’s HBF Park is scheduled to get underway at 6:35 pm AEST on Saturday.

Reds team to take on the Western Force

Starting side

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

2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints

3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles

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

5. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC

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. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School

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

14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney

15. Heremaia Murray - TBC – Auckland Grammar - Te Rarawa RC, NZ

Reserves:  

16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland - St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace - Easts

17. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga

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

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

20. Liam Wright – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts

21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths

22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils

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