Reds aim to 'Beat the Blues' with the return of Wallaby Izack Rodda

The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s match against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.

Lock Izack Rodda returns from his Wallabies rest week, as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto sits out for the same reason this match in accordance with Rugby Australia’s workload management policy.

After making his Super Rugby debut against the Jaguares last weekend, Scott Malolua will start for the first time at scrumhalf in favour of Tate McDermott who’s sidelined with an ankle injury.

While Alex Mafi comes back into the starting side at hooker with Brandon Paenga-Amosa dropping to the bench and Moses Sorovi back in the 23 this week.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “Izack Rodda sat out last week’s match as requested by Rugby Australia. This week it’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s turn to have his Wallabies rest.

“Tate McDermott is out with an ankle injury. Scott Malolua takes his place in the starting side for the first time. Scott made his Queensland debut off the bench last week and embraced the contest against a team filled with Test players. He deserves this opportunity.

“We’re playing in front of our Queensland fans for the final time this year. We thank them for their support and look forward to seeing them on Friday night,” said Thorn.

Themed ‘Beat the Blues’ – Friday’s match will be the Reds’ first ever Super Rugby Mental Health Round.

The game will raise awareness of mental health issues within Rugby as part of the Queensland Rugby Union’s (QRU) Rugby Unite mental health program.

The world-first Rugby Unite program, in partnership with the Queensland Government and the Queensland Mental Health Commission, provides mental health awareness sessions and volunteer training at all Queensland rugby clubs.

Reds: Bryce Hegarty, Jock Campbell, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Filipo Daugunu, Matt McGahan, Scott Malolua, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Angus Blyth, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, JP Smith. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ruan Smith, Gav Luka, Harry Hockings, Adam Korczyk, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia’aua, Hamish Stewart.

– Reds Rugby