Winger Lachie Anderson makes his return from a long lay-off in the Queensland Reds team to face the Chiefs on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The experienced finisher has made a strong recovery from the dislocated wrist which has kept him out of Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific since the March clash against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
TICKETS: QUEENSLAND REDS V CHIEFS
His comeback for University of Queensland in the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup last Saturday was the final tick to return him to selection contention.
On Friday night, he will replace the in-form Tim Ryan, whose workload is being managed after playing some of the biggest minutes of any Reds player this season.
George Blake will start at prop with Wallaby Aidan Ross sidelined by a toe issue. Flyhalf Carter Gordon returns on the bench after overcoming a minor knee injury.
"I'm stoked to be back. The injury was frustrating but I've worked really hard on my rehab and it's progressed a lot quicker than initially anticipated," Anderson said.
"What a game to come back in. The Chiefs are a big challenge but one we are up for. They are hard to beat anywhere so to have them in our own backyard is huge for us.
"Watching on, our backs have been excellent and our back three of Tim, Filipo (Daugunu) and Jock Campbell, the veteran at the back, have been in career-best form I think. Treyvon (Pritchard) has been getting better and more confident with every game."
The match between the fourth-placed Reds and third-placed Chiefs can have a bearing on final ladder positions with both clubs having four games to play in the regular season.
“’Ando’ made a solid return for UQ. He gets his chance on the wing this week,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
“We are really happy with Tim’s form. He’s played massive minutes for us this year so we are able to rotate him this week. It shows the depth we have in the back three.
“Aidan has a toe issue. It’s a difficult one to assess but we feel it is a short-term issue. We have the experienced George Blake to come in there plus all that Jeffery Toomaga-Allen has given us in each game off the bench.
“Carter comes back on the bench. The squad has really benefitted from the depth we have at No.10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been in excellent form and has grown his tactical acumen. Ben Volavola has also been a positive in recent games when showing his wares.”
The Reds have beaten the Highlanders and Crusaders and lost to the Hurricanes and Blues in their previous games against Kiwi sides in 2026.
“Along with the Hurricanes, the Chiefs are the most in-form team in the competition to date,” Kiss said.
“We are well aware they are a dangerous team. A match like this will again require our mental toughness to shine through to keep at the task throughout.”
Friday night is Member Appreciation Round where the Reds’ most loyal supporters are recognised.
TICKETS: QUEENSLAND REDS V CHIEFS
Friday, May 8
Suncorp Stadium
7:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1 George Blake - Bond University - The Southport School - Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
2 Matt Faessler - Brothers - Toowoomba Grammar - USQ Saints
3 Zane Nonggorr - Bond University - The Southport School - Gold Coast Eagles
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 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Wests - Brisbane Boys’ College - Gunnedah Red Devils
11 Lachie Anderson - University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney - Dural RC, Sydney
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 Josh Nasser - University of Queensland - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Easts
17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
18 Nick Bloomfield - Easts - Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
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 Carter Gordon - Wests - Brisbane Boys' College – Wests
23 Treyvon Pritchard - Brothers - Anglican Church Grammar School - Springfield Hawks
