Petaia in the centres as the Reds name team to face the Brumbies

Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Indigenous Round clash against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.

 
Chris Feauai-Sautia returns from a calf injury and will start on the right wing. It sees Jordan Petaia shift to outside centre to cover for the loss of Josh Flook who is sidelined following surgery for a dislocated shoulder.
 

After successfully returning from a knee injury against the Force on the Gold Coast, Harry Hoopert will start at loosehead prop in favour of Jack Straker this weekend. The Smith twins are officially back together at Ballymore and find themselves as Queensland’s frontrow finishing pair in two-of-three changes on the bench.

 
Ruan has reunited with his former Queensland team-mates after he was released from his contract at the Rebels, while JP will make his return from a neck injury. In a further boost, Hunter Paisami has also recovered from injury and takes his place in the 23.

 
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’re expecting a good battle against the Brumbies. They’ve proved the top side this season and we’re expecting a tough contest on Saturday night.
 

“We look forward to being in front of our Queensland fans after playing the Brumbies twice in Canberra this year.
 

“The bye came at a good time for us with some guys given that extra week to recover from injury. It’s a good boost having Chris, JP and Hunter all back and available to play this week.

 
“It’s great to see Ruan back at Ballymore. He’s slotted straight back in here and the group has got around him. He brings good experience to our pack at the backend of the season,” said Thorn.

 
Saturday’s match will see the QRU celebrate its ninth annual Indigenous Round, as the Reds wear their 2020 Indigenous jersey designed by QRU Future Indigenous Leaders Program graduate Shelly Booth.

 
The Brumbies will also play in their Indigenous jersey in what will be the first time two Australian teams will wear their respective Indigenous jerseys in a Super Rugby match.

 
The fixture will also see the awarding of the Frank Ivory Medal to the Reds’ player of the match. The medal is named after Queensland's first Indigenous player.
 

Queensland Reds v Brumbies

1. Harry Hoopert – Brothers 
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank 
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers 
4. Angus Blyth – Bond University 
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths 
6. Liam Wright – Easts © 
7. Fraser McReight – Brothers 
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers 
9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
10. James O’Connor – Brothers 
11. Filipo Daugunu – Wests
12. Hamish Stewart – Brothers 
13. Jordan Petaia – Wests 
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths  
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland

16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland 
17. JP Smith – GPS 
18. Ruan Smith – GPS 
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima – GPS
20. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
21. Moses Sorovi – Wests
22. Bryce Hegarty – GPS
23. Hunter Paisami – Wests