Queensland Reds fans will have a chance to see former NRL flyer Eto Nabuli for the first time against the Crusaders on Saturday.
Nabuli will be one of 10 debutants in the Reds’ 30-man squad for the match.
Despite seeing so many new faces in the squad, head coach Richard Graham has named an experienced starting 15 which will be led by Qantas Wallabies lock Rob Simmons in what will be his first match since the Rugby World Cup Final last November.
Former Rebel Caderyn Neville will suit up in Reds jersey for the first time alongside Simmons, while former NRL winger Eto Nabuili will have his first chance to impress.
On the extended bench is a mix of experience and youth with Saia Fainga’a heading into his eighth season with the club. After a strong 2015 season in club Rugby and the Buildcorp NRC, schoolboy sensation Taniela Tupou will looking for some game time.
Richard Graham, said: “I’m excited by the progress we’ve made physically in the pre-season but it’s now about testing ourselves under pressure. There is a lot of competition for spots and that’s a good position to be in.”
The Reds play the Crusaders at Ballymore Stadium this Saturday, 6 February, at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at www.redsrugby.com.au.
QUEENSLAND REDS V CRUSADERS
1. Ben Daley
2. Andrew Ready
3. Sam Talakai
4. Cadeyrn Neville
5. Rob Simmons (C)
6. Lolo Fakaosilea
7. Liam Gill
8. Jake Schatz
9. Nick Frisby
10. Jake McIntyre
11. Eto Nabuli
12. Henry Taefu
13. Samu Kerevi
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
15. Karmichael Hunt
RESERVES
Saia Fainga’a
Sef Fa’agase
Taniela Tupou
Ben Matwijow
Lukhan Tui
Curtis Browning
Maclean Jones
Michael Gunn
James Tuttle
Mack Mason
Chris Kuridrani
Duncan Paia’aua
Campbell Magnay
Alex Gibbon
Sam Greene
