Rodda, Perese to miss Reds-Blues clash

Wed, Jun 27, 2018, 7:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Fresh off his best performance in Wallaby gold, forward Lukhan Tui is ready turn his attention to Queensland red. The side will take on the Blues this Friday in Auckland.

The Reds will be without two stars in Auckland - Izack Rodda and Izaia Perese both ruled out of the clash with the Blues.

Rodda copped a knock to the shoulder in the third June Test against Ireland and has subsequently been ruled out on the quick backup, though the Reds are hopeful he will be available for the clash with the Rebels on Friday week.

Perese's prognosis is not as favourable, re-injuring the same knee which has already hampered his season.

He is unlikely to play again this season, though it's understood the injury is not related to the partial ACL tear he suffered in the preseason.Rodda is hopeful of a return against the Rebels. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyThe star pair are two of four changes to the starting XV.

Harry Hockings will take Rodda's spot in the second row, with Lukhan Tui recalled at blindside flanker ahead of Angus Scott-Young.

Perese's absence opens up a spot for Eto Nabuli, who will play his first match for the club since round six.

Jono Lance also returns to the starting XV at fullback after being a late out prior to the loss to the Waratahs.

The bench takes a completely different shape - Harry Hoopert, Tate McDermott and Filipo Daugunu earning spots ahead of Sef Faagase, Liam Wright and Ben Lucas.

TEAM

Reds team to face the Blues

1. JP Smith – GPS

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank

3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers

4. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland

5. Kane Douglas – Norths

6. Lukhan Tui – Souths

7. George Smith – Brothers

8. Scott Higginbotham (C) – Wests

9. Moses Sorovi – Wests

10. Hamish Stewart – Bond University

11. Eto Nabuli – Souths

12. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths

13. Samu Kerevi – Souths

14. Jordan Petaia – Wests

15. Jono Lance – University of Queensland

Reserves

16. Alex Mafi – Bond University

17. Harry Hoopert – Brothers

18. Ruan Smith – GPS

19. Caleb Timu - Souths

20. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland

21. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland

22. Aidan Toua – Easts

23. Filipo Daugunu – Wests

The Reds face the Blues at Eden Park on Friday, kicking off at 5:35pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

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