Harry Wilson has been honoured with the captaincy of the Queensland Reds for the first time for Saturday afternoon’s clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The Wallabies skipper will become the 129th captain of Queensland in a rugby history spanning more than 140 years when he runs on for this Round Six clash in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.
He will join an illustrious list of influential No.8s to captain Queensland, the likes of Mark Loane and Dallas O’Neill in the amateur era and Toutai Kefu, John Roe and Scott Higginbotham in the professional era of Super Rugby.
Wilson steps up from the team’s leadership group with Tate McDermott, Liam Wright and Fraser McReight not travelling to Dunedin.
“I feel very privileged to be able to captain Queensland,” Wilson said.
“I’ve always liked to lead in my own way and help the team in any way I can. It just happens I’ll have the (c) next to my name this week.
“A week later I’ll probably be back to my normal role.
“I definitely feel more relaxed in this captaincy situation because of the Wallabies experiences I had last year. I just want to really enjoy this with a squad that has the opportunity to go to New Zealand and get a win in a city where we haven’t done so for 12 years.”
Halfback McDermott and lock Ryan Smith are being game-managed and will be available for the following week’s match against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium on March 29.
In Dunedin, John Bryant will step up at openside flanker for the injured McReight while Kalani Thomas, a 54-game club regular, will get to start in the No.9 jersey for the first time this season.
Bryant performed admirably last season at openside against the Highlanders and Blues when McReight was under suspension and built his experience significantly through the Reds International Program with games against Wales, Tonga and Ulster.
“’JB’ played very well with his opportunities at No.7 last year against the Highlanders and Blues. Kalani has made a difference every time he’s come off the bench this season,” Wilson said.
“We pride ourselves on players being ready to step up when chances come and on big performances away from home.”
Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been selected for his first game of the season off the bench after beating a leg injury.
Reds head coach Les Kiss said facing a Highlanders side with power in the pack and speed on the edges was a challenge the team was eager to accept under the roof at Forysth Barr Stadium.
“There’s going to be some really rowdy students in the stands under the roof. It’ll be a good atmosphere and a challenge to enjoy,” Kiss said.
“We have a game we think we can win with. We just have to put it on the park with the balance we have been working on.
“Harry has been part of our leadership group from the start this season and his presence in the locker room makes him the ideal man for the captaincy this week.
“Guys like John Bryant and Joe Brial step up for us with lots of qualities and Lukhan is a massive addition who will add leadership as well.”
Saturday, March 22
Forsyth Barr Stadium
1:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1 Sef Fa’agase - Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2 Richie Asiata - Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3 Zane Nonggorr - Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4 Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5 Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
6 Seru Uru - Wests - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
7 John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
8 Harry Wilson (c) - Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9 Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
10 Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11 Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12 Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13 Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
14 Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC
15 Heremaia Murray - TBC – Auckland Grammar - Te Rarawa RC, NZ
16 George Blake - Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
17 Alex Hodgman - Sunnybank – Mt Albert Grammar, Auckland – Suburbs RFC, Auck
18 Massimo De Lutiis - Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney
20 Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
21 Louis Werchon - Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23 Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School
Unavailable through injury: Jock Campbell, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Liam Wright
