Reds

Reds name Hunt in trial squad for Rebels clash

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Reds head coach Richard Graham has named a 28-man squad for their first Super
Rugby warm up of the season with with 11 players being given the opportunity
to don the Queensland jersey for the first time.

Former Queensland Under 16s Rugby rep and recent Broncos Under 20s player Duncan
Paia’aua has been given the first opportunity to impress in the flyhalf
jersey left vacant by injured star Quade Cooper, while recent recruit Karmichael
Hunt returns to the code he played in high school at fullback.

While this isn’t an official, capped Super Rugby game, it will be the
first opportunity for Hunt and Paia’aua to wear the Reds jersey, along
with props Sam Talakai, Pettowa Paraka and Sef Faagase, locks Adam Korczyk and
Marco Kotze, loose forwards Michael Gunn and Lolo Fakaosilea, centre Campbell
Magnay and fullback Tom Banks.

It will also be the first time prop James Slipper leads the team out since
taking over as captain for the 2015 season.

Graham said the entire squad had been looking forward to the game for some
time and would relish the opportunity to play in Far North Queensland.

“The more experienced squad members have fond memories of their previous
visits to Cairns, ” he said.

“The far north have been great hosts and we are expecting another strong
crowd to get behind the team as we begin our 2015 campaign.

“After nine weeks of training, the squad are looking forward to this pre-season
match against the Rebels. Having made significant changes to all aspects of
our program, this is an important part of our preparations for Round 1 of Super
Rugby.

“We have a lot to look forward to. Slipper and Hunt will lead the team
for the first time, Duncan will get his first opportunity to wear the Number
10 jersey and 11 players will get to play in the Reds jersey for the first time
– A very proud moment for all of them. “

Ten players were unavailable for selection due to injury, including recent
recruit James O’Connor, who returned from France with a slight knee complaint,
but was expected to be ready in time for the first pre-season match. He will
instead be given another week of rest and is expected to play his first game
for his new club when they take on the Crusaders at Ballymore next week.

Of the 10 injured players, four are expected to be fit for selection next week
for the match against the Crusaders, with more likely to be available for Round
1 of Super Rugby.

“We suffered a number of short-term injuries last week as the intensity
around the contact area increased, ” Graham said.

“Fortunately of the 10 players sidelined from either surgery in 2014
or recent injury we expect Greg Holmes (shoulder), Ben Daley (shoulder), Ed
O’Donoghue (ankle) and James O’Connor back next week.

“This will also be bolstered by the likelihood Adam Thomson will also
be available for selection, as his commitments with his Japanese club will be
over. “

The other injured players unavailable for selection are: Cooper – suffered
a fractured collar bone at training and will be out for 10-12 weeks; Lock Dave
McDuling – strained glute during a rucking drill last week; Flanker Eddie
Quirk – still recovering from a knee reconstruction; Lock Rob Simmons – returned
from Wallabies Spring Tour with a shoulder complaint that will be managed week
to week; Centre Ben Tapuai – hamstring injury at training two weeks ago and
has not recovered; wing Lachie Turner – injured his shoulder during a contact
drill last week and could be back Round 1.

The Reds take on the Rebels at Barlow Park in Cairns this Saturday, 31 January,
at 7:30pm AEST.

Queensland Reds squad v Rebels, Cairns

Forwards
Curtis Browning, Sef Faagase, Saia Fainga’a, Lolo Fakaosilea, Liam Gill, Michael
Gunn, James Hanson, James Horwill, Adam Korczyk, Marco Kotze, Pettowa Paraka,
Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Slipper (C), Sam Talakai.

Backs
Tom Banks, Anthony Fainga’a, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Nick Frisby, Scott Gale,
Will Genia, Karmichael Hunt (VC), Sam Johnson, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani,
Campbell Magnay, Duncan Paia’aua, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

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