Fraser McReight will captain the Queensland Reds in their final trial match against the NSW Waratahs at Ballymore Stadium on Saturday afternoon, marking his first time leading the side.
The Reds have named a team featuring Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, and Zane Nonggorr in the front row, with Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto forming the second row. Joe Brial and McReight will flank the scrum, alongside No. 8 Vaiuta Latu. Louis Werchon will start at halfback, partnering with flyhalf Carter Gordon, a member of the 2023 World Cup Wallabies squad.
The backline sees Tim Ryan and Hunter Paisami in the centres, with Lachie Anderson and Jock Campbell on the wings. The Reds will utilize an extended 15-man bench, including Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, John Bryant, James Martens, Finn Mackay, and Xavier Rubens, to provide playing opportunities ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Waratahs will be led by captain Matt Philip, with Tom Lambert and Ethan Dobbins at props, and Dan Botha at hooker. Miles Amatosero and Clem Halaholo will form the second row, while Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu will flank the scrum, alongside Jake Gordon at No. 8. Lawson Creighton will partner with Jake Gordon in the halves, with Max Jorgensen at fullback.
The Waratahs’ backline includes Joey Walton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wings, and Harry Potter and James Hendren in the centres. Their replacements are Folau Fainga’a, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Jake Debreczeni, and Triston Reilly.
McReight expressed his enthusiasm for playing at Ballymore, stating, “It’s going to be a great feeling to have a game at Ballymore with heaps of family and friends in the grandstand. And we get to play the Waratahs. For us, it’s all about building and improving for the start to the season.”
The match serves as the Reds’ final preparation before the commencement of the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season, with their opening round fixture against the Waratahs scheduled for February 13 in Sydney. Seru Uru will start from the bench for the Reds.
