Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has lauded flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips' impact as he backs the young playmaker to step up against the Blues on Saturday.
Entering the season, McLaughlin-Phillips was considered as likely to be the man missing out amid the recruitment of Carter Gordon and sharp form of Tom Lynagh.
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However, the 22-year-old has been the Reds' most consistent playmaker in 2026, set for his fourth start and ninth appearance in the maroon jersey.
“He’s been playing very well,” Kiss said of the playmaker.
“He deserves a lot of credit and praise for how he’s held that position and played it well.”
It comes with Gordon and Lynagh both back on the sidelines with short-term injuries.
Gordon damaged the cartilage in his knee, limping off after an awkward fall in a tackle during their win over the Crusaders a fortnight ago.
"It's nothing as serious as it seems at this stage. It's cartilage and those things can be tricky so we're just going to take it week by week and see how it goes," Kiss said.
Meanwhile, Lynagh tweaked his calf during training, continuing his luckless run of injuries over the past 12 months, which has included hamstring and calf issues.
“Tommy’s still working through a slight little injury there on his calf, so we’re just making sure we just don’t rush it, that’s all,” the coach said.
“It’s a process, and as we always have done, we’ll look after him and make sure that we get things right.
"We'll always look after him, but one thing I do know about Tommy, if he has a week off or four weeks off, the next game he plays is always on, so I think the bottom line for Tommy is we'll just make sure we keep doing the right thing with him and work with him to make it right."
Fijian international Ben Volavola will serve as the replacement half off the bench, making his debut last month against the Fijian Drua.
Josh Nasser and Treyvon Pritchard both return from concussions, with Zane Nonggorr back in the starting side.
REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard
