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Wallabies won’t have a chance unless they can go through the Springboks
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Former NRL star’s code switch leads to maiden start for Queensland Reds
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Former New Zealand and Tonga rugby league international David Fusitu’a will start at outside centre for the Queensland Reds this weekend, brought into the run-on side for the Super Rugby AUS clash with the NSW Waratahs in Roma.
Fusitu’a also played 108 NRL games for the New Zealand Warriors before switching codes to the 15-player game, spending a couple of years with club side Brothers. The 31-year-old will partner Josh Takai in the midfield this week, as the Reds take on their arch-rivals from south of the border.
Wallabies rake Matt Faessler captains the side that will be hungry to bounce back from a nail-biting 29-28 defeat to the Western Force in Brisbane. The forward pack remains unchanged following that result.
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George Blake will pack down up front alongside Faessler and tighthead prop Nick Bloomfield, while Will Ross partners Brothers teammate Charlie Brosnan at lock. Tom Robinson starts at blindside flanker, with John Bryant at openside and Joe Brial at No. 8.
Mosiah Christian partners Tom Lynagh in the halves, looking to provide quality ball to the exciting midfield pairing of Takai and Fusitu’a. Sefa Naivalu and Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan are the two starting wingers, with Will McCulloch named at fullback.
“It’s been a crazy couple of years. After my time in league ended with Leeds (in late 2024) I knew I wasn’t finished with footy and wanted to give rugby a crack,” Fusitu’a said.
“I made some enquiries through a friend in NZ. He connected me to the Brothers club so I’m in Brisbane by chance. The people there have been really welcoming, I’m enjoying some new friendships and making headway in rugby.
“I’ve really found that love of what grassroots footy is all about.
“I’m pretty aware of the rich history of the Reds and want to rip in at Roma. There’s always a bit more in it coming up against NSW.”
Queensland Reds to take on NSW Waratahs at the Santos Festival of Rugby
- George Blake
- Matt Faessler (c)
- Nick Bloomfield
- Will Ross
- Charlie Brosnan
- Tom Robinson
- John Bryant
- Joe Brial
- Mosiah Christian
- Tom Lynagh
- Sefa Naivalu
- Josh Takai
- David Fusitu’a
- Tim Ryan
- Will McCulloch
Replacements
- Zac Hough
- Harrison Usher
- Trevor King
- Dom Thygesen
- Vaiuta Latu
- Cooper Stewart
- Ben Volavola
- Jake Pappin
- Kenny Harris
- Alex Flanagan Smith
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