Wallabies backline trio Carter Gordon, Josh Flook and Kalani Thomas return to the Queensland Reds' starting side for Saturday night's clash against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.
Flyhalf Gordon will wear the No.10 jersey in the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific match after a week off with a minor lower limb niggle.
QUEENSLAND REDS V WESTERN FORCE TICKETS
The Reds' strength in the centres is reflected by the return of Flook in place of Isaac Henry, an in-form performer for the past four matches.
At halfback, Thomas will start with Louis Werchon providing his spark from the bench.
On the wing, 18-year-old Treyvon Pritchard has earned an opportunity to start for the first time.
The starting pack is unchanged. On the bench, Wallabies Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr return to add impact in the front-row.
Hooker Faessler is lining up for a potential 50th Super Rugby cap after his recovery from a knee issue. Prop Nonggorr will bring his skill to the tighthead position when he enters the game.
On the bench, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will be the back-up flyhalf. Illness has prevented Tom Lynagh from being considered this week.
"It's good news to have a player like 'Faess' returning with his experience. The competition we have between three quality hookers is fantastic," Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said with reference to Faessler, Josh Nasser and Richie Asiata.
"I know Faess is champing at the bit to contribute.
"Treyvon has certainly shown what he is capable of in his minutes off the bench this season. It's only scratching the surface of his potential and he gets to take another step in his learning with experienced Wallabies around him.
"It means again that we have three strong backline players to finish the game from the bench with Louis, Harry and Tim Ryan."
The Reds won two hard-fought matches against the Force in 2025 with both matches finishing with 28-24 scorelines to the Queenslanders.
"We've had some tight games against the Force. These derbies are always meaty affairs," Kiss said.
"We know players like Ben Donaldson and Darby Lancaster can be dangermen in the backs and Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain are experience for any pack."
Saturday, April 4
Suncorp Stadium
6:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1 Aidan Ross - Bond University - Otumoetai College, NZ - Te Puke Sports
2 Josh Nasser - University of Queensland - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Easts
3 Nick Bloomfield - Easts - Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
4 Seru Uru - Easts - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - Souths - John Edmondson HS, Sydney - Southern Districts, Sydney
6 Joe Brial - University of Queensland - Scots College - Easts, Sydney
7 Fraser McReight (c) - Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
8 Harry Wilson - Brothers - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Gunnedah Red Devils
9 Kalani Thomas - Souths - Ipswich Grammar - Souths
10 Carter Gordon - Wests - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Wests
11 Treyvon Pritchard - Brothers - Anglican Church Grammar School - Springfield Hawks
12 Hunter Paisami - Wests - Mangere College, Auckland - Manukau Rovers
13 Josh Flook - Brothers -Nudgee College - Brothers
14 Filipo Daugunu - Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
15 Jock Campbell - University of Queensland - The Southport School - Inverell Highlanders
16 Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints
17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
18 Zane Nonggorr - Bond University - The Southport School - Gold Coast Eagles
19 Hamish Muller - Brothers - Toowoomba Grammar - USQ Saints
20 Vaiuta Latu - Brothers - St Peters Lutheran College - Pine Rivers Pumas
21 Louis Werchon - Wests - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Maroochydore Swans
22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Wests - Brisbane Boys’ College - Gunnedah Red Devils
23 Tim Ryan - Brothers - St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
