De Lutiis returns but no Fraser McReight as Reds name side for Aussie derby

Wallabies prospect Massimo De Lutiis has been named in the Queensland Reds run-on side for the first time this season, after the front-rower made a successful return from injury in three club games for Wests Bulldogs.

De Lutiis was in the headlines earlier this season amid rumours of a potential switch to Ireland with Ulster, before penning a new deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union through 2029.

The prop hasn’t suited up for the Reds this season but will get that opportunity on Saturday in an important Australian derby, as the Western Force look to keep their playoff hopes alive in front of their home fans in Perth.

De Lutiis has been named at tighthead, set to pack down alongside loosehead George Blake and hooker Josh Nasser up front. Hamish Muller comes into the starting side for Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, joining Seru Uru in the second row.

With regular skipper Fraser McReight being rested, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will lead the Reds into battle at HBF Park. Wilson start at No. 8, while John Bryant comes into the First XV in place of McReight, joining Joe Brial in the loose forwards.

“Massimo has earned his call-up over the past few weeks with the way he’s found his rhythm through club footy,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.

“He’ll make our scrum even more powerful. It’s a credit to our depth at tighthead where Zane Nonggorr and Nick Bloomfield have been performing this season.

“Lukhan was keen to play in Perth. With the imminent birth of his third child, we thought he should be around his family for that reason and it’s also the ideal chance for him to have a regeneration week after his workload.

“’Mull’ has been a strong replacement for the pack all season and deserves this chance. Charlie has been playing some excellent club rugby for Brothers and he has this opportunity for a first Super Rugby cap off the bench.

“John Bryant has been outstanding for Souths in the Hospital Cup. He knows the role he needs to play as a number seven.”

Fixture

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16 May 26

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Louis Werchon and Carter Gordon have been selected in the halves, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips not named in the matchday 23 for the first time this season. Instead, Flying Fijian Ben Vaolavola will provide fly-half cover off the bench.

Isaac Henry returns to the starting lineup at outside centre, set to partner in-form Hunter Paisami in the halves. Lachlan Anderson starts on the left wing, with Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan and Jock Campbell making up the back three.

“Isaac was very impressive in four games for us earlier in the season and Tim returns fresh from his own regeneration week,” Kiss added.

“Carter (Gordon) is back in the starting team. He came on from the bench against the Chiefs and showed his qualities.”

Queensland Reds to take on Western Force

1. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
2. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Easts
3. Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
4. Hamish Muller – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints
5. Seru Uru – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
6. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
7. John Bryant – Souths – St Laurence’s College – Souths
8. Harry Wilson (c)- Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
10. Carter Gordon – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Wests
11. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers
13. Isaac Henry – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Kenmore Bears
14. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders

Replacements
16. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
18. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Charlie Brosnan* – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Brothers
20. Vaiuta Latu – Brothers – St Peters Lutheran College – Pine Rivers Pumas
21. Kalani Thomas – Souths – Ipswich Grammar – Souths
22. Ben Volavola – Sunnybank – Newington College – Seaforth Raiders, Sydney
23. Treyvon Pritchard – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Springfield Hawks
*Potential Super Rugby Pacific debut