Reds and Wallabies centre Josh Flook will make his long-awaited return at outside centre in Queensland's Round 16 clash with Fijian Drua.
Flook, 23, hasn't been sighted in Super Rugby Pacific since Round 3 after rupturing his hamstring tendon during a two-try showing against the Western Force.
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Now, the four-Test midfielder is set to celebrate his recent one-year extension at Ballymore by lining up outside Hunter Paisami at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
"I was honestly devastated, I was gutted. I had to get really close to my family and friends," Flook said of his injury.
"Initially I didn't think it was too bad, thought it was going to be a little grade one or two but getting back and having a scan back in Brisbane we found it to be much worse.
"I ruptured the hamstring tendon, did a good job of it. I've rehabbed it really well, can't say anything better about the rehab team with David Wellington and Nigel, they've set me up really well.
"I had to tick some boxes last week speed-wise and had to do the dreaded 1.2km bronco test (last) Saturday morning but we got through all of that so definitely in a good space to play on Saturday."
Flook earlier told reporters he "never wavered" in wanting to re-sign with Queensland and shared his excitement ahead of a long-awaited return while paying tribute to rising Reds midfielder Dre Pakeho.
"It's been a struggle of a year so far having to sit back and watch the boys … but I'm stoked to be staying around. It was a pretty easy decision and didn't take much thought at all," Flook said.
"It's my club. I've grown up watching the Reds since I was 5-6 so my head never really wavered. I want to be a Red for as long as I possibly can.
"It's obviously a very big year and if I'm a part of that (Lions Series) in any way I'd be extremely honoured and extremely proud but I'm honestly just excited to be able to play some footy over the next few weeks.
"You can't take any game lightly and definitely with Fiji coming over this week, it's probably going to be their last game of the season so they're not going to hold back.
"The Drua can strike from all over the park. They've got props and hookers than run quicker than some backs and backrowers who are fast like wingers- they're a very skilful team who aren't afraid to chance their hand.
"Hopefully we'll have a dry track here at Suncorp once again and they're able to put on a show and we're able to match it.
"(Dre Pakeho)'s been exceptional - you've seen whether it be me or Hunter out through periods of time, he doesn't look out of place at all. He's deserved that starting jersey every time he's got it."
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu
