The Queensland Reds celebrated their return home with a 31-14 win over the Highlanders in Brisbane.
They looked more like the title contenders many had picked at the start of the season, with their returning Wallabies making a massive difference.
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So what did we learn?
There’s no doubt the Queensland Reds will be a must-watch team all season.
Their opening try was a piece of magic; from Harry Wilson’s tunnel ball to Josh Flook’s stab grubber kick and Tim Ryan’s special kick back inside for Fraser McReight.
The intention is clear as day, evident in Lukhan Salakia-Loto’s try, where they kept the pace flowing with a quick lineout 15 metres out.
They are so damaging from any part of the ground, and they set up another massive rivalry clash with the ACT Brumbies next week.
Carter Gordon had more diamonds than rocks in his first game in the maroon jersey.
He adds a sharpness to the Reds’ attack, looking as big a threat as a runner as he is as a distributor. His decision-making was sharp to create the numbers for Fraser McReight’s try.
The kicking was sloppy to start the game, with a grubber that forced a Highlanders error more of his ability.
On kicking, he didn’t take the responsibilities from the tee, leaving it to Louis Werchon and Jock Campbell. Gordon has had a checkered history and didn’t kick on his Wallabies return, instead leaving it to Andrew Kellaway.
But overall, a nice exhibition of what Gordon can add to the Reds' all-star attack.
Tim Ryan may be the biggest winner out of Gordon’s arrival at the Reds, showcasing his pace and class.
Ryan was back at the form that won him Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year in 2024, burning the Highlanders' defence on countless occasions.
His kick to set up McReight’s try was a thing of beauty under significant pressure before combining with his captain for his own try.
He’s someone who is well and capable of stepping up to that next level, with further performances like this only raising his chances of a Wallabies call-up.
There was a real physical edge to the Reds’ performance that was missing in Sydney.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Hunter Paisami led the way for the hosts, with the lock at his bullying best.
His shot on Rohan Wingham was a belter, stopping the Highlanders in their tracks. He was a constant gain-line winner and really imposed himself on the game, scoring a well-deserved try.
For Paisami, he was excellent across the park, constantly shredding tackles while also setting up chances.
It wasn’t all positive for the Reds, who need to shore up their set-piece before the Brumbies clash in Canberra.
They were under significant pressure at scrum time, with Ethan de Groot going to work and winning consistent penalties.
The lineout also struggled, losing five throws across the 80 minutes. It’s something that’ll come in time but needs to shore itself up if they are to compete with the best.
