Reds to unleash Aussie schoolboy captain
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made one change to their starting XV for Friday’s Super Rugby AU clash against the Force on the Gold Coast.
Flyer Josh Flook, who captained the 2019 Australian Schools and Under-18s team last year will make his starting debut at outside centre following a knee injury to Hunter Paisami who is expected to be sidelined for the next two weeks.
Flook’s inclusion in the XV sees Jack Hardy recalled into the 23 in one-of-four changes to the bench.
Loosehead prop Harry Hoopert has overcome a knee injury and is back in the side with Josh Nasser named as Queensland’s replacement hooker.
While scrumhalf Moses Sorovi has been selected for the first time during Queensland’s Super Rugby AU campaign and is set to come-on as a finisher.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’re excited to head down the coast and play in front of our Queensland fans tomorrow [Friday] night.
“The Force will be hungry. They’re a dangerous team with plenty of experience. It’ll be a tough contest and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“Josh Flook will make his first start for Queensland which is a great achievement. He’s got a few caps now and will only get better with more experience.
“Moses has been working hard in our program and deserves his spot in the side. It’s great to have Hoops back as well. It’s a timely boost in the loosehead department having him there as a finisher this week,” said Thorn.
After a 31-24 victory in Round Three last month, the Reds will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the Force that would see them take temporary top-spot on the ladder.
Queensland Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Jack Straker.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Jack Hardy.
Date: Friday, August 21
Venue: Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 GMT)
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant referees: Nic Berry, Damon Murphy
TMO: Brett Cronan
