Hunter Paisami and Tom Lynagh return to the Queensland Reds backline for Saturday night’s blockbuster against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
Paisami returns from suspension to take his place at inside centre while Lynagh will slot in at flyhalf for the Round Five clash in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.
The Bob Templeton Cup, the symbol of interstate supremacy, is up for grabs on Saturday night when holders Queensland host the unbeaten Waratahs.
Playmaker Lynagh enjoyed a memorable last outing against the Waratahs when he calmly slotted the late, long-range penalty goal for a 27-26 victory in Sydney last year.
Up front, experienced Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr will form the Reds front-row.
In the backrow, Seru Uru returns to partner Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight.
“This is one of the big games on the rugby landscape in Australia in any year,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.
“For us, putting on the Queensland jersey to play at home to face NSW makes it even more compelling.
“The players and staff have reconnected with loved ones and friends since returning from two games on the road.
“The focus is 100 per cent on Saturday night and making the adjustments we need from our game against the Crusaders last weekend.”
The match at Suncorp Stadium will celebrate Kids Round with a series of activations on the night.
Saturday, March 15
Suncorp Stadium
6:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport and 9GEM
1 Sef Fa’agase - Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2 Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3 Zane Nonggorr - Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4 Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5 Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6 Seru Uru - Wests - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
7 Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8 Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9 Tate McDermott (c) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC
10 Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11 Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12 Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13 Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
14 Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15 Heremaia Murray - TBC – Auckland Grammar - Te Rarawa RC, NZ
16 Richie Asiata - Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
17 Alex Hodgman - Sunnybank – Mount Albert Grammar, Auckland – Suburbs RFC, Auck
18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
19 Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20 Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
21 Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23 Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School
Unavailable through injury: Jock Campbell, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright
