The Wallabies have confirmed that two players from their initial 36-man squad to face Fiji - Matt Faessler and Hunter Paisami - will be released to play for Queensland when they take on the British & Irish Lions on July 2.
The Reds will be the second provincial side to face the tourists following the Western Force this weekend - with the WA side keeping five of their Wallabies stars for the tour opener.
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Several members of the Wallabies squad are expected to be released to take part in provincial matches, as part of their own preparation for the Lions Test series later in the month.
Speaking about it today, Wallabies Ben Donaldson and Tate McDermott - who have both not been released for the Force and Reds games, respectively, gave their two cents on the situation.
"Any game you get to play against the Lions team is pretty cool," Donaldson said.
"I'm really excited to watch the Force boys play this weekend - we're in camp now, preparing for this Fiji test next week."
"That's what we want," McDermott added
"We want not only the Wallabies playing entertaining rugby and going toe-to-toe with the British and Irish Lions, but we want our Super clubs to do the same thing.
"I can only speak from a Queensland point of view, but that's the goal."
The Reds have eight Wallabies currently in the squad that is preparing to face Fiji on July 6 in Newcastle. Faessler and Paisami's move back to the Reds will mean both stars are unlikely to take part in the opening Test match of the year.
Queenslanders Massimo De Lutiis and Liam Wright were also considered for the Test squad but ruled out by injury.
Reds Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Harry Wilson, Zane Nonggorr and Fraser McReight will remain with the main Wallabies squad in Sydney before travelling up to the Hunter on Thursday.
Faessler and Paisami's inclusion will add significant go-forward to Les Kiss' side, joining Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Josh Nasser, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Josh Flook and Jock Campbell among the Test representatives set run out at Suncorp Stadium.
Dual international Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is also set to play a key role alongside one-Test All Black and Chiefs centurion Aidan Ross, who has started a two year deal with the Reds following the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific season and is primed to make his club debut against the Lions.
Regardless of their squad make-up, Queensland lock Salakaia-Loto told reporters the Reds would "enjoy" themselves next week and soak up the experience.
"Enjoyment's a big thing for us because when we're enjoying our rugby that's when we play our best," Salakaia-Loto said.
"Take it in, enjoy the week, don't play the game too early. We have a young group here so it's about managing that and helping these boys get through the week because it's unreal.
"I wish I was coming to the game and heading to the Caxton (Hotel) for a few beers but instead I'm playing and it's going to be unreal for everyone involved."
