Tom Lynagh named for Reds but McLaughlin-Phillips holds No. 10 jersey

Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh has been named in the Queensland Reds matchday 23 for the first time in Super Rugby Pacific this season, but Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has retained the starting role to face the Hurricanes in Wellington.

McLaughlin-Phillips scored a try as the Reds secured their first-ever win away to the Fijian Drua last weekend. Carter Gordon was rested for the match at Lautoka’s Churchill Park, and the in-form playmaker will miss this match as well.

Gordon has been ruled out of round seven with a minor lower leg issue, but that has presented Lynagh with an opportunity to play minutes for the first time in the 2026 campaign. Lynagh has spent some time working through a strengthening program.

Fraser McReight returns and will lead the side at Hnry Stadium. Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson and powerful blindside Joe Brial round out the loose forwards, while Vaiuta Latu looks to make a difference off the bench.

Wallabies Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto start as the two locks once again, while former All Black turned Wallaby Aidan Ross packs down at loosehead. Ross has been named alongside Josh Nasser and Nick Bloomfield in an unchanged front-row.

Louis Werchon is back in the run-on side at halfback, set to partner McLaughlin-Phillips in the starting halves for the first time since round one. Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry will again combine forces in the midfield.

Tim Ryan starts on the left wing, while Filipo Daugunu will look to replicate last weekend’s heroics after impressing on the right edge against the Drua. Jock Campbell, who brought up 100 games for Queensland last Saturday, suits up at fullback.

“This presents the toughest game in the competition to date – playing the Hurricanes at the ‘Cake Tin’ in Wellington,” coach Les Kiss said.

“The Hurricanes’ form has been imperious with their blend of forward power and backline skills run by their halves Cam Roigard and Ruben Love.

“We’ve built confidence over our last four matches, for sure. It has shown the results of playing our game and building on what we do well.”

This round seven fixture pits the ladder-leading Hurricanes against the fourth-placed Reds at Hnry Stadium in Wellington.

Queensland Reds to take on Hurricanes

1. Aidan Ross – Bond University – Otumoetai College, NZ – Te Puke Sports
2. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Easts
3. Nick Bloomfield – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
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. Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers
13. Isaac Henry – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Kenmore Bears
14. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders

Replacements
16. Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
17. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
19. Hamish Muller – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints
20. Vaiuta Latu – Brothers – St Peters Lutheran College – Pine Rivers Pumas
21. Kalani Thomas – Souths – Ipswich Grammar – Souths
22. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club, UK
23. Treyvon Pritchard – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Springfield Hawks