Reds announce team for Culture Round clash at Suncorp Stadium

Queensland Reds co-captain Liam Wright and lock Seru Uru will return to face the Western Force in Round 10 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday night.

Uru and Wright are the sole changes to the Reds XV who beat Moana Pasifika a fortnight ago, with Jordan Petaia moving to fullback and Jock Campbell to the wing in a reshuffled backline.

Gold Coast product George Blake will potentially make his Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.

Round 10 marks Super Rugby Pacific's 'Culture Round', with 10 different cultures represented in the Reds 23 - Australian, First Nations people of Australia, Fijian, German, Italian, New Zealand Maori, Papua New Guinean, Samoan, South African and Tongan.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s good to be back in front of our home fans after the bye week.

“The Force had a good win over the Highlanders last round. They’re going to be a tough challenge for us on Saturday night.

“Congratulations to George who will potentially debut for Queensland. He has worked hard and earned his shot.”

Fresh from his first Wallabies camp, Matt Faessler starts in the frontrow alongside Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr.

Uru’s return from concussion sees him start alongside Connor Vest at lock, while Wright will reprise his combination with the Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson who re-signed with the Reds through 2025 today.

Co-captain Tate McDermott again partners Lawson Creighton in the halves, with James O’Connor and Josh Flook starting in the midfield.

After a strong start to the season, Petaia moves to fullback with Jock Campbell and Suliasi Vunivalu on the wing.

Blake will potentially debut off the bench, with Filipo Daugunu also returning to the side as a finisher.

1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Connor Vest – University of Queensland – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior Rugby Club
5. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
6. Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
7. Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (cc) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
10. Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College
11. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
12. James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
14. Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
15. Jordan Petaia – Wests – Brisbane State High School
16. Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
17. George Blake* – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18. Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
19. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
20. Jake Upfield – Bond University – The Southport School
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
22. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
23. Filipo Daugunu – Wests – Dogotuki District School, Fjii

*potential Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific debut