McReight and Wilson return, Faessler earns maiden start for Indigenous Round clash

May 18, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

The Queensland Reds have been bolstered by the return of backrow duo Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight for this Friday night’s Queensland Rugby Union Indigenous Round clash against Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium.

The star pair are two of five changes to the Reds starting XV, with fellow Brothers product Matt Faessler named to make his first Super Rugby start at hooker.

Harry Hoopert also returns to the starting lineup at loosehead prop, while Hamish Stewart comes back into the run-on team in the number-12 jersey as flyhalf James O’Connor celebrates his 50^th appearance for Queensland.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “After a tough trip to Auckland we’re excited to be back home this week in front of our Queensland fans.

“Each week we’ve been in the contest. The Blues were the first time we’ve been down at halftime against the New Zealand sides. Our challenge is to be putting in 80-minute performances if we want to achieve something in this competition.

“Along with the Fijian Drua, it’s been good to have Moana Pasifika involved in Super Rugby Pacific. They play positive Rugby and they’ll be a tough opponent on Friday night,” said Thorn.

Hoopert and Faessler start up front alongside tighthead Feao Fotuaika, as Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth provide continuity in the secondrow.

McReight, Wilson and blindside flanker Seru Uru make for a dynamic backrow as Queensland look to snap a four-game losing streak in their first fixture against the competition newcomers.

Skipper Tate McDermott and O’Connor steer a near unchanged backline, with Stewart combining with Josh Flook in the midfield.

After a two-try performance against the Blues, Jock Campbell again starts at fullback with Jordan Petaia and Suliasi Vunivalu on the wings.

Off the bench, Richie Asiata and Filipo Daugunu return to the side for the Reds’ final home game of the regular season.