Big guns return for Reds

The Queensland Reds will field their strongest side of 2016 against the Waratahs, with flanker Liam Gill and captain James Slipper back in the fold.

Gill will slot straight into the starting openside spot, with Slipper to come off the bench in his comeback from knee and shoulder surgery.

Hooker Saia Fainga'a also returns to the bench, while youngster Andrew Ready retains his starting spot.

Young prop Sef Fa'agase will start at loosehead, with Slipper to ease his way back into Super Rugby.

The lineup will make for an intriguing clash against the Waratahs, a far different makeup from the side that lost to NSW four weeks ago.

Reds co-interim coach Nick Stiles said the experienced trio would be invaluable inclusions 

 “It’s good to be able to welcome back three seasoned players who have a lot of experience in these interstate clashes," he said.

“What’s equally pleasing is the work and development we’ve seen in our group over the last few weeks. We were bitterly disappointed to not get the win last weekend and Sunday’s match gives us another opportunity to reward our fans with a good performance at home.

“This is an important game for us and we know to expect a very physical, spirited clash when we take on New South Wales.

“We’ve been building into our season and developing our game and the players have worked incredibly hard to this point – now we want to see the results of that hard work."

1. Sef Fa’agase

2. Andrew Ready

3. Greg Holmes

4. Cadeyrn Neville

5. Rob Simmons (C)

6. Hendrik Tui

7. Liam Gill

8. Jake Schatz

9. Nick Frisby

10. Jake McIntyre

11. Eto Nabuli

12. Anthony Fainga’a

13. Samu Kerevi

14. Chris Feauai-Sautia

15. Karmichael Hunt

16. Saia Fainga’a

17. James Slipper

18. Sam Talakai

19. Ben Matwijow

20. Curtis Browning

21. Scott Gale

22. Sam Greene

23. Ayumu Goromaru