Reds welcome back Wallaby Josh Flook for crucial regular season finale

For the first time since the third round of the Super Rugby Pacific season, Wallabies centre Josh Flook will suit up for the Queensland Reds, named to start against the Fijian Drua in this weekend’s final-round clash in Brisbane.

Flook, who recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Queensland Rugby Union for the 2026 season, played 50 minutes against the Western Force earlier in the season but hasn’t taken the field since due to a hamstring injury.

Coach Les Kiss has selected the 55-game centre alongside Hunter Paisami in Queensland’s midfield, with the Reds looking to secure a playoff berth with, at the very least, a losing bonus point against the Drua.

Elsewhere in the backline, Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan returns to the starting side on the left wing. Coach Kiss has gone with an unchanged forward pack, following the dramatic loss to the Hurricanes at the same Brisbane venue last week.

“I’ll just be loving every moment out there,” Flook said.

“I’ve rehabbed it really well and can’t speak highly enough of the rehab staff at the Reds. I’m back 3-4 weeks earlier than we were initially thinking.

“I ticked some boxes speed-wise last week and progressed from there.

“I was devastated when the injury first happened. It’s been a long process to get back but a good one.

“I’ve loved watching the boys this year. It’s been difficult but they’ve played some really good footy.”

Joining Flook, Paisami and Ryan in the backline are the halves pairing of captain Tate McDermott and fly-half Tom Lynagh. Lachie Anderson starts on the right edge yet again, while Wallaby Jock Campbell has been retained at fullback.

In the forwards, Sef Fa’agase will pack down alongside Richie Asiata and Zane Nonggorr in the front row. Josh Canham and Ryan Smith round out the tight five as the starting locks, while Angus Blyth is among those looking to provide impact off the bench.

Joe Brial, who scored an impressive try last time out against the Hurricanes, will stat at blindside flanker, with team vice-captain Fraser McReight named at openside, and Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson named at No. 8.

“We welcome back ‘Flooky’ and his partnership in the centres with Hunter (Paisami). It has always been a strong point for us,” Kiss added.

“Flooky adds a calm and controlled voice in that crucial outside centre channel.

“Filipo (Daugunu) will have impact off the bench this week. Dre (Pakeho) has been excellent for us and has played the fifth most minutes of any player this season. This weekend is a chance for him to refresh.

“The Drua are always a dangerous opponent as we found out in Suva earlier this month. We can’t drop our guard.

“The team’s leadership group made the strong point this week that Suncorp Stadium is our home and this is the last chance (in the regular season) to show who we are and how much our fans mean to us.”

This match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will get underway at 7:35 pm AEST on Saturday evening. While the Drua are out of the playoff race, the Reds are in control of their own destiny, currently ranked fifth on the standings.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

28

24

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

80%

Queensland Reds to take on Fijian Drua

1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Josh Canham – Bond University – Brighton Grammar, Melb – Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (c) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Flinders RC
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – Nudgee College – Brothers
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Reserves:
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace – Easts
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
18. Nick Bloomfield – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. John Bryant – Souths – St Laurence’s College – Souths
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji