Versatile Filipo Daugunu has been selected at inside centre by the Queensland Reds for Saturday’s qualifying final against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Daugunu steps up to replace the injured Hunter Paisami (knee) now Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific has become a six-team shootout.
Hooker Josh Nasser, flanker Joe Brial and fullback Jock Campbell are the other changes to the starting line-up which ran out for the 45-24 win over the Fijian Drua last Friday.
Forward Seru Uru will miss the match with a back injury. Lock Hamish Muller comes onto the bench for a role he has filled strongly this season.
“Filipo again shows his great versatility after starting at wing, outside centre and inside centre for us previously as well as having a cameo at flanker late in one game,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
“His power in midfield and his ability to jackal will be a threat to contend with. There’s no doubt the understanding he has with Josh Flook is an asset for us.
“Joe Brial returns to the starting backrow. Jock Campbell has been in excellent form. He will be at fullback with Treyvon Pritchard adding his classy touches from the bench.
“The ability to start and finish with a strong front-row will be crucial in this match. We have front-row strength for all conditions.
“We have had some strong finishes to games and that has been on the back of our bench where we are well stacked.
"Seru is out this week. We are fortunate to have Hamish Muller for the bench to bring the physicality and workrate he has provided throughout the season."
Reds skipper Fraser McReight will reach the milestone of 100 games for Queensland in this match. Since his debut as a Red in 2019, he has built a reputation as one of the finest openside flankers in world rugby.
“Finals rugby is a brand new season, a new beast. Everything is at a higher intensity, the collisions, the breakdowns, the set piece, everything,” McReight said.
“That’s what we can expect.
“To think about 100 games is very special for me and my family. What better week for it than a qualifying final. Everyone here is primed and ready to go.”
Kiss paid tribute to McReight as a player and leader.
“Fraser stands tall in this place as one of the greats. To reach 100 games at 27 is a phenomenal achievement,” Kiss said.
“His impact at the Reds is obvious on the pitch with his jackalling skills, awareness in attack and his defensive workrate. However, his standing in the locker room and the club makes him one of the most important figures in Queensland rugby.”
Kiss said the Reds were looking forward to the challenge of facing the Chiefs in Hamilton.
“It’s a match with a lot of recent history with the matches we have played against the Chiefs,” Kiss said.
“It excites us no end to take on this challenge in a hostile environment against a good club.”
Saturday, June 6
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
5:05pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1 Aidan Ross - Bond University - Otumoetai College, NZ - Te Puke Sports
2 Josh Nasser - University of Queensland - St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace - Easts
3 Zane Nonggorr - Bond University - The Southport School - Gold Coast Eagles
4 Josh Canham - Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequin RC, Melb
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 Tate McDermott - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC
10 Carter Gordon - Wests - Brisbane Boys' College – Wests
11 Tim Ryan - Brothers - St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12 Filipo Daugunu - Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
13 Josh Flook - Brothers - Nudgee College - Brothers
14 Lachie Anderson - University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney - Dural RC, Sydney
15 Jock Campbell - University of Queensland - The Southport School - Inverell Highlanders
16 Matt Faessler - Brothers - Toowoomba Grammar - USQ Saints
17 George Blake - Bond University - The Southport School - Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18 Massimo De Lutiis - Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19 Hamish Muller - Brothers - Toowoomba Grammar - USQ Saints
20 Vaiuta Latu - Brothers - St Peters Lutheran College - Pine Rivers Pumas
21 Kalani Thomas - Souths - Ipswich Grammar - Souths
22 Ben Volavola - Sunnybank - Newington College - Seaforth Raiders, Sydney
23 Treyvon Pritchard - Brothers - Anglican Church Grammar School - Springfield Hawks
