Rebels-Reds trial match: Salakaia-Loto to make return in Ballarat

Fri, Feb 1, 2019, 1:24 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Reds back-rower Caleb Timu admits he hasn't quite got his head around rugby but believes he's on the right track as he enters in his third Super Rugby season. The two test Wallaby is determined to get back in Chieka's good graces for this years RWC.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is set to make his rugby comeback in Ballarat on Friday night in the Reds' opening trial against the Rebels.

Salakaia-Loto has been named in Queensland's 28-man squad for the clash, which will be his first outing since an emotional Test against Argentina on the Gold Coast.

The 22-year-old took time away from rugby after that September Test to be with his family after the passing of his stepfather but has been training with the Reds through the preseason.


New recruit Bryce Hegarty will have his first outing in a Reds jersey against his first Super Rugby club after moving north from the Waratahs in a swap for Karmichael Hunt this season.

None of the Queenslanders on last year's Spring Tour have been named to play with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu the only other 2018 Wallabies in the squad.

On the other side of the coin, Quade Cooper has been named for the Rebels after missing their opening trial last weekend against the Brumbies.

The Reds take on the Rebels at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Friday February 1, kicking off at 6pm AEDT. Watch the match LIVE on the Rebels Facebook.

SQUAD

Rebels to take on Reds

1. Ben Daley

2. Anaru Rangi

3. Sam Talakai

4. Luke Jones

5. Matt Philip

6. Rob Leota

7. Brad Wilkin

8. Isi Naisarani

9. Michael Ruru

10. Quade Cooper

11. Semisi Tupou

12. Billy Meakes

13. Tom English

14. Tazi Tautalatasi

15. Beaudine Waaka

Reserves

Forwards

Fereti Saaga

Mees Erasmus

Matt Gibbon

Robbie Abel

Hugh Roach

Pone Faamausili

Rhys Brodie

Sam Jeffries

Trevor Hosea

Esei Haangana

Ikapote Tupai

John Mokofosi

Richard Hardwick

Michael Koko

Backs

Harrison Goddard

Stu Dunabr

Nav Hailsila

Sione Tui

Justin Masters

Archie King

Reds squad to face Rebels

Forwards

Harry Hoopert

Feao Fotuaika

Ruan Smith

Gavin Luka

Brandon Paenga-Amosa

Efi Ma’afu

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

Harry Hockings

Angus Blyth

Angus Scott-Young

Liam Wright

Caleb Timu

Adam Korczyk

Fraser McReight

Scott Higginbotham

Backs

Moses Sorovi

Tate McDermott

Scott Malolua

Hamish Stewart

Teti Tela

Duncan Paia’aua

Chris Feauai-Sautia

Filipo Daugunu

Jock Campbell

Bryce Hegarty

Jack Hardy

Will Eadie

Isaac Lucas

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