The Queensland Reds team that will face the NSW Waratahs in what will be the final regular season match of the 2022 season has been named, ahead of Saturday’s clash in Sydney which will take place at Eric Tweedale Oval.
Head coach Simon Craig has made two changes to his forward pack ahead of the weekend. Sunnybank’s Okeroa Manihera has been elevated to the starting side at number 8 after impressing from the reserves so far this season, while Hana Lane has also been called into the starting side at blindside flanker, with Kiri Lingman ruled out.
The same backline that starred in the Reds 55-5 win over the Melbourne Rebels last weekend has been named once again. In the reserves, the elevation of Lane to the starting side sees GPS lock Tina Campbell recalled to the side, while 16-year-old Skyla Adams makes a timely return from injury to be named on the bench, with Briana Dascombe ruled out due to concussion.
“This week’s match is a crucial one for us,” said Craig.
“We’re battling with NSW for second spot on the ladder and are due to face them a second time next week. A win this week could secure us a home semi-final.
“We’re lucky to remain consistent with selections once again, only making minor changes to the match-day-23.
“Oke’s (Manihera) elevation to the starting side is reward for the physicality and intensity she has brought off the bench so far this season, while Hana Lane has improved week-on-week and we’re confident she will deliver in Kiri’s absence.
“Since debuting in Round 1, Tina Campbell has been working hard behind the scenes so it’s great to be able to reward her with a recall to the side, while Skyla impressed in Round 1, we’re happy to have her back in the side.
“This weekend poses a significant challenge for us, NSW have been the standard setters in Super W since it’s inception and after losing to Fijiana last week, they’ll be coming into this match with a point to prove.
“We need to be prepared for a tough task and ensure we nail our preparation this week to put ourselves in the best position to perform.”
The Queensland Reds clash with the Waratahs kicks off at 2:20pm AEST this Saturday 9 April, and will be broadcast live on Stan Sport.
- Alapeta Ngauamo – GPS
- Tasmin Sheppard – Bond University
- Liz Patu - Wests
- Aleena Greenhalgh - Wests
- Annabelle Codey - Wests
- Hana Lane - Wests
- Shannon Parry (c) - Easts
- Okeroa Manihera - Sunnybank
- Sarah Lewis- GPS
- Renae Nona – Sunnybank
- Ivania Wong – Sunnybank
- Cecilia Smith - Easts
- Melanie Wilks – Bond University
- Caity Costello – Bond University
- Ellie Draper - Souths
Reserves 16. Madi Schuck – Bond University 17. Tiarna Molloy - Wests 18. Isah Soloai - Easts 19. Tina Campbell – GPS 20. Sophie Holyman – Bond University 21. Imogen Hei – Bond University 22. Malaela Su’a – Easts 23. Skyla Adams – Bond University
