Hodgson headlines returning Force brigade

Wed, May 24, 2017, 8:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Matt Hodgson returns for the Force. Photo: Getty Images
Matt Hodgson returns for the Force. Photo: Getty Images

Matt Hodgson headlines a host of big ins for the Force as they prepare for a must-win clash against the Reds.

Coach Dave Wessels has kept some of his big guns fresh for this clash and there is no more important inclusion than Hodgson.

The Force lacked breakdown presence in their belting at the hands of the Highlanders and that's exactly the area where this match will be won or lost tomorrow night.

Interestingly, Wessels has shifted Tatafu Polota-Nau and Pek Cowan to the bench to try and reap from impact from his bench - Heath Tessman and Francois van Wyk set to start instead.


Matt Philip resumes his role in the second row ahead of Richie Arnold, with Hodgson set to pack down alongside Ross Haylett-Petty and Isi Naisarani in the back row.

Michael Ruru will start at halfback but Luke Morahan has also been left on the pine in favour of Marcel Brache, with James Verity-Amm starting on the right wing.

The Force take on the Reds at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

TEAM

Force team to take on the Reds

1. Francois van Wyk

2. Heath Tessmann

3. Jermaine Ainsley

4. Matt Philip

5. Adam Coleman

6. Ross Haylett-Petty

7. Matt Hodgson (C)

8. Isireli Naisarani

9. Michael Ruru

10. Peter Grant

11. Alex Newsome

12. Bill Meakes

13. Curtis Rona

14. James Verity-Amm

15. Marcel Brache

Reserves

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau

17. Pek Cowan

18. Tetera Faulkner

19. Richie Arnold

20. Richard Hardwick

21. Mitchell Short

22. Luke Burton

23. Luke Morahan

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