Liam Wright To Make Return For Queensland Reds in Perth

The Queensland Reds have made six changes to their starting side for Saturday night’s mission to face the Western Force in Perth in Round Three of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.

Flanker Liam Wright has been selected for his first match since July, 2024 after his diligent rehabilitation from a shoulder injury sustained when captaining the Wallabies against Wales in Sydney. Wright will make his return from the bench.

In the pack, Wallabies Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr and Angus Blyth have been installed in the tight five.
Young Dre Pakeho comes in at inside centre to play his first Super Rugby Pacific match in place of the suspended Hunter Paisami.

It again shows the value of the Reds International Program with Pakeho, 20, already having played three times for Queensland against Wales, Tonga and Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.

Kiwi recruit Heremaia Murray, who played three times for the Crusaders last year, replaces the injured Jock Campbell at fullback.

On the wing, Lachie Anderson gets the chance to start against the Force with Tim Ryan to be used as impact from the bench.

“We had good things come through under pressure where we aimed up against Moana Pasifika last Friday night in our first game,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.

“We know the Force have been impressive and are certainly showing the appetite to play for 80 minutes. They’ll be confident on home turf so it’s not going to be an easy road trip.

“It’s a challenge we are all looking forward to.

“It’s fantastic to see Liam Wright back to full fitness. The value he adds to our game is immense and the lineout is just one element. His experience will be important at the backend of the game.”

Kiss said the depth of the Reds squad allowed strong cover for the forced backline changes.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Jock to injury and Hunter to suspension but it’s great to have such backline options,” Kiss said.

“Dre’s maturity over the past 12 months and his preparation has been brilliant. The boys have confidence in him.

“Lachie Anderson has punch, power and pace. It’s a chance for him and a great opportunity to see Tim’s wares from the bench.

"Heremaia has Super Rugby experience and is a very smart footballer. He has been with us since touring Japan late last year."

The opening two rounds of the 2025 season have generated the highest points per game average since Super Rugby kicked off in 1996. The margins are the sixth tightest across the competition’s history in those opening rounds as well.

“There’s always a question around the balance of attack and defence. We are looking at a style of game that’s piquing interest around the place,” Kiss said.

“There’s a lot of jeopardy still in the game. No team can just rush out and take away the game. Each game has some form of comeback in it.

“The refs are trying to keep flow in the game. There’s speed of ball, a quickening of set pieces and people are staying engaged with it. I just think it’s exciting for the game overall.”

For Anderson, the opportunity in Perth is stirring all the right emotions.

"It's exciting to get a crack in the starting side. We've had an excellent prep coming into the season because the tour of the United Kingdom allowed some newer players, like myself, to get accelerated development with the squad," Anderson said.
 
 
Queensland Reds v Western Force
Saturday, March 1 
HBF Park, Perth
6:35pm AEST 
Watch live on Stan Sport and free-to-air on 9GEM
1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints 
3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes  
5. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
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. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers 
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Heremaia Murray - TBC – Auckland Grammar - Te Rarawa RC, NZ
Reserves:  
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland - St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace - Easts 
17. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18. Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School - Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
20. Liam Wright – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe 

Unavailable through injury: Jock Campbell, Matt Gibbon, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Unavailable: Hunter Paisami (suspension)