The Queensland Reds have been forced into an early test of their playmaker depth ahead of Friday's opener against the NSW Waratahs.
The Reds' off-season narrative surrounded how they would navigate a glut of options at flyhalf, having added Carter Gordon and Ben Volavola to a list already including Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
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But McLaughlin-Phillips, still just 21, is the only fit member of that quartet and will start alongside livewire scrumhalf Louis Werchon in a surprise 9-10 combination to begin the season.
Reds coach Les Kiss said Gordon could be back next week as he managed a "leg issue" while Lynagh (hamstring) remains a week-to-week case after an injury-riddled finish to 2025.
"Your program's got to be able to manage injury counts and we've got a lot of belief in the young guys and Harry's doing a fantastic job," Kiss said of the 21-year-old, who impressed him with his response to Gordon's signing.
"He put his shoulder to wheel and said, 'OK that's what it is'. I'm really impressed; he took on the competitive with two hands."
Werchon, fresh from an off-season stint with Italian club Benetton, gains a start with Test duo Tate McDermott and Kalani Thomas sidelined.
Test utility Filipo Daugunu and emerging prop Massimo De Lutiis were also unavailable with injury.
Queensland's injury list leaves coach Les Kiss clutching for bench depth, with emerging talents Finn Mackay and James Martens to deputise at flyhalf and the scrumbase respectively.
Twenty-year-old flanker Vaiuta Latu, who played in a Brisbane reserve grade grand final for Brothers last season, has bolted from the blue to earn a start at No.8 with Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson (knee) sidelined.
Fraser McReight will make his captaincy debut in a Reds team otherwise filled with experience and class, including Chiefs recruit Aidan Ross in the front row.
“We look forward to these matches against NSW on the calendar. It’s always a really physical match-up and a battle of wits,” Kiss said.
“What better way to kick-off the 30th year of Super Rugby.
“It's important we go out and nail those things we’ve trained for and represent the Queensland jersey the way we can."
REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, John Bryant, James Martens, Finn Mackay, Xavier Rubens
