Queensland Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will not make the trip to Auckland ahead of Saturday's clash with Moana Pasifika as he awaits the birth of his third child.
The change sees Seru Uru slotted back into the starting side, with Hamish Muller added to the bench.
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Salakaia-Loto missed the defeat to the Western Force for the same reason, with Reds captain Fraser McReight confident the change will not affect the team's mindset.
"He's still at home, obviously, waiting for his third baby to come. He's probably very excited for it to come, but also impatient," McReight said and smiled.
"We've been planning for a week and not much really changed for us, especially after the Force week. We've got a job to do and, obviously 'Khan' is a big presence and brings a lot to the team, but it's exciting for the other boys to step up.
"I think that's going to be a great opportunity against a really strong Moana team who play in their last home game and got to be really emotional and up for it."
Salakaia-Loto's absence is offset by the return of Josh Canham, who has finally been cleared to play after a hamstring injury.
Canham and McReight are amongst a strong group of returning Reds for the clash against Moana Pasifika, who could be playing their final home game amid their uncertain future.
The hosts sit last on the ladder, with an away trip against the ACT Brumbies set to finish their season.
"We've done some previews throughout the week that they stick with teams in the first 40, especially the Kiwi teams that they've played a fair bit. For us, [it's] to get our head around that, knowing it's not just going to be an easy game and to keep executing when we can, putting in the work throughout that first half, knowing that dividends will be paid in that second half," McReight said.
"It reassures everyone that you can't just take the foot off the throttle. You have to keep it there and be ready to be ruthless in times when we do get in that attacking half where we probably were off our best last week.
"It's a perfect opportunity this week to really execute because we know that they're going to be in the game, not just because it's their last home game but just because of the traction they've had over the past season."
