Gill back for potential half-century

 

If he takes the field, Gill will become the fifth player to reach his 50th Queensland cap this season, along with the 100-cap milestones achieved by captain James Horwill, vice-captain Will Genia and playmaker Quade Cooper.

 

Gill has been training with the Australian Sevens squad in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, but has been named in the Reds’ reserves after dialogue between head coach Richard Graham and Sevens coach Geraint John.

 

Graham welcomed Gill’s return to the Reds for their final match of the season, which promises to be an engaging clash between the two oldest rivals in Australian Rugby.

 

“Getting Gilly back from the Australian Sevens program is a significant boost to the squad,” Graham said.

 

“He is class footballer and his desire to play for the Reds illustrates how much the playing group care. 

 

"He understands the risks associated, but is willing to accept those in order to play for the Reds.

 

“Whether it is Rugby, cricket or league, Queensland versus New South Wales is still the greatest of rivalries.

 

Graham has made two changes to his starting XV for his team’s final match.

 

Injury has forced one change, with a broken jaw to Nick Frisby presenting an opportunity for Scott Gale to start his first match for the Reds. 

 

The other change sees Greg Holmes return to the starting line-up in place of Ben Daley.

 

Holmes missed last weekend with a knee complaint.

 

The replacements bench features the return of Gill along with the potential for Extended Playing Squad member Chris Kuridrani to make his debut for Queensland.

 

“Scotty [Gale] did well in his limited time last weekend,” Graham said.

 

“He has been around the program since October in the Wider Training Squad or Under 20s and has a strong understanding of how we want to play the game.

 

"More importantly he has the confidence and support of his teammates.

 

“Chris [Kuridrani] comes onto the bench as cover for the back three.

 

"After a disrupted period with injury, he has worked hard to get back on the field and prove his qualities here amongst our squad and at club Rugby. 

 

"He is a big lad and will do everything at 100 kilometres an hour if he gets the opportunity.”

 

Reds: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Lachie Turner, 10 Ben Lucas, 9 Scott Gale, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Curtis Browning, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 James Hanson, 1 James Slipper.

Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga’a, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Albert Anae, 19 Dave McDuling, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Sam Johnson, 22 Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, 23 Chris Kuridrani.

 

Date: Saturday, July 12

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Matt O'Brien (Australia), Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)