Carter Gordon set to return as Reds prepare for ‘dangerous’ Chiefs

Queensland Reds fly-half Carter Gordon will return to Super Rugby Pacific this week, named to come off the bench against the Chiefs on Friday night. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has retained the starting role, with Tom Lynagh unavailable through injury.

Gordon has made a handful of appearances for the Reds this season, including match-defining heroics in wins over the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs. The playmaker scored a try against the Crusaders in round nine but has not taken to the field since.

But coach Les Kiss has named Gordon on the bench for this round 13 fixture at Suncorp Stadium, as the Queenslanders look to build on last weekend’s hard-fought 30-21 triumph over rivals the Brumbies at the same venue.

Lachie Anderson is back after a long stint on the sidelines with injury, replacing in-from Tim Ryan in the run-on side. Ryan is being rested after playing big minutes for the Reds this season, averaging more than 70 minutes per match in nine appearances to date.

“’Ando’ made a solid return for UQ. He gets his chance on the wing this week,” Kiss said.

“We are really happy with Tim’s form. He’s played massive minutes for us this year so we are able to rotate him this week. It shows the depth we have in the back three.

“Aidan has a toe issue. It’s a difficult one to assess but we feel it is a short-term issue. We have the experienced George Blake to come in there plus all that Jeffery Toomaga-Allen has given us in each game off the bench.

“Carter comes back on the bench. The squad has really benefitted from the depth we have at No.10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been in excellent form and has grown his tactical acumen. Ben Volavola has also been a positive in recent games when showing his wares.”

George Blake comes into the starting side for Wallabies prop Aidan Ross, who has suffered a toe injury. Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr round out the front row, while the Reds have stuck with the familiar second row pairing of Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Reds

21 - 31

Full-time

Chiefs

All Stats and Data

Coach Kiss has named the same loose forwards trio, starting with Joe Brial at blindside flanker. Reds captain Fraser McReight will wear the No. 7 jersey after last weekend’s standout efforts against the Brumbies, and Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson starts at No. 8.

Kalani Thomas joins McLaughlin-Philips in the halves, while Hunter Paisami links up with Josh Flook in the midfield. Anderson and Filipo Daugunu are the two wingers, while Jock Campbell is the final name on the team sheet at fullback.

“Along with the Hurricanes, the Chiefs are the most in-form team in the competition to date,” Kiss explained.

“We are well aware they are a dangerous team. A match like this will again require our mental toughness to shine through to keep at the task throughout.”

Queensland Reds to take on Chiefs

1. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga

2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints

3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles

4. Seru Uru – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney – Southern Districts, Sydney

6. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney

7. Fraser McReight (c) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Kalani Thomas – Souths – Ipswich Grammar – Souths

10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils

11. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney

12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers

13. Josh Flook – Brothers – Nudgee College – Brothers

14. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji

15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders

Replacements

16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Easts

17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ

18. Nick Bloomfield – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts

19. Hamish Muller – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints

20. Vaiuta Latu – Brothers – St Peters Lutheran College – Pine Rivers Pumas

21. Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans

22. Carter Gordon – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Wests

23. Treyvon Pritchard – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Springfield Hawks