The Queensland Reds will launch their 2025 campaign with a strong core of experience on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.
The 6:35pm clash against 94-Test All Blacks star Ardie Savea and his dangerous Moana Pasifika team is the exciting lift-off to seven home games for the Reds this season.
Reds head coach Les Kiss has named 10 Wallabies in the starting side and a further three in his forward reserves to match a Moana Pasifika side laden with internationals and seasoned World Cup players.
Prop Massimo De Lutiis, 21, has been selected to make his Super Rugby debut.
The benefits of the Reds International Program mean the 128kg tighthead can call on all he has learnt gaining six Queensland caps against teams from five countries.
Skipper Tate McDermott and flyhalf Tom Lynagh will steer the backline as chief playmakers.
“The boys are eager to play in front of family, friends and fans at Suncorp Stadium after the months of hard work they have put in and a pre-season tour in the UK,” Kiss said.
“We’ve worked at adding to our game. Now, we have to be prepared to stick to what our game is and play to our strengths.
“We know how big the challenge will be from Moana Pasifika. They play a tough, physical and adventurous game and stretched the Western Force to full-time last weekend.
“They scored six tries against the Force when their speed of play off turnovers was a feature. As I say, we have to be prepared to work hard.”
Kiss said that De Lutiis had earned his start with the progress he has made over the past 12 months.
“Massimo has already shown his capabilities in the Queensland jersey during our international games,” Kiss said.
“He is a very coachable young man who is determined to keep getting better.
“You look further to players who have joined us like Josh Canham and Filipo Daugunu.
“Josh has flourished at lock in his time with us and Filipo’s physicality in the backs will be needed in a game like this.
“In a highly-competitive space, Richie Asiata will start at hooker. We have great options in that position.”
De Lutiis paid credit to the front-row education he is getting as part of the Reds squad.
“I’ve said it before, I turn up every day to train with a front-row group and coaches with great experience of the tips and tricks and feedback needed to become a better prop,” De Lutiis said.
“I’m excited for Friday night. It’s been a pretty long journey and very satisfying because of the hard work you put in. It doesn’t stop here, I want to keep it going.
“Playing a number of times for the Reds already has definitely given me a feel for it.”
Friday, February 21
Suncorp Stadium
6:35pm AEST
Watch live Stan Sport
1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School - Surfers Paradise Dolphins
4. Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Seru Uru – Wests - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (c) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers
14. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
16. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
17. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
Unavailable through injury: Matt Gibbon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Liam Wright, Mason Gordon, Jude Gibbs, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Alex Hodgman
