Joe Brial will be just one of several Narrabri storylines when he makes his Queensland return in Round 2 of Super Rugby AUS this weekend.
Brial has been named on the blindside flank to tackle the New South Wales Waratahs at Narrabri's Dangar Park - the country field that shaped Brial's father and future Wallaby, Michael.
Catch up on the latest Super Rugby AUS Round 2 team news here.
Brial Snr was a Narrabri Blue Boars first grader in his teens in the mid-1980s and will lead a large contingent of family and friends with divided loyalties.
Expect cheers for both sides across the weekend's Santos Festival of Rugby with another Brial, Joe's younger brother Toby, set to lace up for the Waratahs U19s.
“Dad spent a big chunk of his life in Narrabri. The Blues Boars have a rich history at Dangar Park and there will be a lot of Brials and family friends about this weekend,” Joe Brial said.
“It’s going to be good being in the same arena as Toby as part of a great weekend of footy."
Brial's inclusion for Queensland is a welcome boost with Super Rugby Pacific regulars Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and Lachie Anderson also set to return.
Elsewhere, Reds captain and fullback Jock Campbell switches to flyhalf in place of Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who is undergoing HIA protocols following a knock during last week's 36-26 win over the Brumbies.
It sets up an intriguing 10 battle between Campbell and former Australia U20 flyhalf Joey Fowler, who has been elevated to the starting NSW side.
Both Fowler and Aussie Sevens flyer Sid Harvey are Narrabri Blue Boars juniors and will relish the opportunity to don the Waratah strip at Dangar Park.
“The atmosphere in Narrabri will be huge,” Fowler said.
“To have family, friends and the community right there on the sidelines will make it really special.
“Our physical dominance early will set the tone. If we win those first collisions, we will be looking good for the rest of the game.
“For me personally, a good performance is about being dominant with my calling and putting the boys in the right positions on the field to attack. If I can do that, everything will flow from there.”
Meanwhile the Waratahs will be without regular skipper Matt Philip (suspension) as they chase a win to keep their Super Rugby AUS dream alive.
Philip received a three-week ban for reckless/dangerous play following NSW's 24-3 loss to the Western Force with Ben Grant moving into number four jersey and Lawson Creighton taking on the captaincy from inside centre.
Wallaby Isaac Kailea has also shifted into the starting side, replacing Tom Lambert at loosehead prop, while Teddy Wilson moves to the bench to accommodate former Australia U20 halfback Michael McDonald.
The Reds vs Waratahs Round 2 Super Rugby AUS fixture kicks off 5:45PM AEST on Saturday 20 September and will be streamed live and free via Rugby.com.au.
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Ben Grant, Miles Amatosero, Leafi Talataina, Jamie Adamson, Chlayton Frans, Michael McDonald, Joey Fowler, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton (c), Jackson Ropata, Leo Jacques, James Hendren
Replacements: Bruce Kauika-Petersen, Tom Lambert, Apolosi Ranawai, Clem Halaholo, Austin Durbidge, Teddy Wilson, Otto Serfontein, James McGregor
REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross (vc), George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Connor Vest, Seru Uru, Joe Brial, Tom Robinson, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Jock Campbell (c), Tim Ryan, Dre Pakeho, Isaac Henry, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Theo Fourie, Sef Fa'agase, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Kohan Herbert, James Martens, Will Cartwright, Xavier Rubens
