Queensland Reds co-captain Tate McDermott will make his return from an ankle injury against the New South Wales Waratahs in this Saturday night’s Heritage Round clash at Suncorp Stadium.
McDermott, who was injured in his side’s Round 2 fixture against the Waratahs in Sydney, will start at scrumhalf in what is the only change to the 23 after last weekend’s narrow loss to the Brumbies.
Queensland will look to retain the Bob Templeton Cup, which they have held since 2021, as Super Rugby Pacific celebrates its inaugural Heritage Round.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: "It's great to be back playing in front of our Queensland fans this week.
"We've got back-to-back games at Suncorp Stadium. The Waratahs will be a tough opponent and we're looking forward to the match.
"Tate McDermott makes his return from an ankle injury. He's back quicker than expected which is great for our program, and a huge credit to both Tate and our medical team," said Thorn.
McDermott will start alongside O’Connor in a settled backline, with Hamish Stewart and Hunter Paisami running on in the centres.
Josh Flook and Jock Campbell line up out wide, as Jordan Petaia starts at fullback.
Hooker Josh Nasser will make his fourth Super Rugby start after scoring three tries in his past two games and will pair Dane Zander and Taniela Tupou in the frontrow.
Locks Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth provide punch in the tight-five, with the dynamic backrow of Seru Uru, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson again starting.
Off the bench, Liam Wright and Isaac Henry will feature after both making successful returns from injury last round.
Tickets for the match are available via reds.rugby.
Queensland Reds v New South Wales Waratahs, Suncorp Stadium, 6:45pm AEST:
- Dane Zander – Norths
- Josh Nasser – University of Queensland
- Taniela Tupou – Brothers
- Ryan Smith – Brothers
- Angus Blyth – Bond University
- Seru Uru – Wests
- Fraser McReight – Brothers
- Harry Wilson – Brothers
- Tate McDermott (cc) – University of Queensland
- James O’Connor – Brothers
- Josh Flook – Brothers
- Hamish Stewart – Brothers
- Hunter Paisami – Wests
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
- Jordan Petaia – Wests
- Matt Faessler – Brothers
- Harry Hoopert – Brothers
- Feao Fotuaika – Sunnybank
- Connor Vest – University of Queensland
- Liam Wright – Easts
- Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland
- Isaac Henry – Wests
- Lawson Creighton – Brothers
