Rodda boost for Reds
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds will welcome back Test lock Izack Rodda to their starting line-up for their clash against the Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane.
However, Brad Thorn’s side will but will be without Test centre Samu Kerevi, who is out for 12-16 weeks after undergoing surgery Monday to repair a ruptured bicep.
The Reds have made four changes to the starting line-up which lost to the Blues in Auckland last week.
Rodda’s return from a shoulder complaint sees him slot into the starting second row, with youngster Harry Hockings dropping out of the matchday 23.
Recent Wallabies debutant Caleb Timu has also been brought into the starting lineup at No.6, after making his return to the Reds via the bench last weekend. Timu replaces Lukhan Tui, who has shifted to the bench.
In the backs, Kerevi’s injury has prompted a positional shift for impressive 18-year-old Jordan Petaia, who has moved from the wing to outside centre, with Filipo Daugunu promoted to the starting line-up on the wing.
In the reserves, utility back Teti Tela from Brisbane club Souths is in line to make his potential Queensland/Super Rugby debut. The versatile 27-year-old was an asset for Bond University Queensland Country throughout their run to the National Rugby Championship title last year, earning himself a contract with the Reds squad for the 2018 season.
Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Moses Sorovi, 8 Scott Higginbotham (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Caleb Timu, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Jean-Pierre Smith.
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Lukhan Tui, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Aidan Toua.
Date: Friday, July 6
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant referees: Nic Berry, Graham Cooper
TMO: Ian Smith
