Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami will have to settle for a spot on Queensland’s bench for the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Paisami returned to Reds training earlier this week following seven days in isolation after testing positive to Covid-19.
However, despite his availability, Paisami has been unable to force his way into the Reds’ starting XV, with Queensland coach Brad Thorn opting for the centres pairing of Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook.
Flanker Fraser McReight, another player with Wallabies experience, has also been named on the bench, with Angus Scott-Young getting the nod in a back-row starting combination that includes co-captain Liam Wright and No.8 Harry Wilson,
Wright’s fellow co-captain, Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott, will start after recovering from his bout with Covid-19.
McDermott will be partnered in the halves by fellow Wallaby James O’Connor, who will make his 100th Super Rugby match appearance in a career that also included a stint with the Rebels.
“It is a great achievement for him,” Reds coach Thorn said.
“The Rebels will provide a tough contest. They’ve got an experienced side with plenty of players who have represented their country.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Meanwhile, the Rebels will give a starting Super Rugby debut to Queenslander Sam Wallis.
Flanker Wallis was a member of Queensland’s 2021 Super Rugby AU squad, and played for Brisbane City in the 2018 and 2019 National Rugby Championship competition.
Rebels coach Kevin Foote said: “I’m really excited for Sam. The way he’s worked hard all year and pushed himself all pre-season, I’m super pumped for him to go back to Brisbane and make his Super Rugby debut.”
Lock Matt Philip will play his first game for the Rebels since 2020, having rejoined the club following a year in France.
Reds: Dane Zander, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Fraser McReigh, Spencer Jeans, Hunter Paisami, Lawson Creighton.
Rebels: Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eboff, Matt Philip, Ross Haylett-Petty, Sam Wallis, Brad Wilkin, Michael Wells, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, Matt To’omua, Stacey Ili, Lachie Anderson, Reece Hodge. Bench: Matt Gibbon, James Hanson, Sef Fa’agase, Thomas Nowlan, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Raymond Nu’u, Youxjmtzywng Tonumaipea.
