Wallabies duo return for Queensland Reds’ clash with rivals Waratahs

Wallabies Hunter Paisami and Tom Lynagh are back for the Queensland Reds ahead of “one of the big games” in Australian rugby. The Reds will host the NSW Waratahs in a crunch clash at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening.

Paisami is back for the first time since the Reds’ round two win over Moana Pasifika after serving a suspension, having been named at inside centre. Lynagh is set to partner captain Tate McDermott in the halves after being named ahead of Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

Lynagh was outstanding in the Reds’ lash clash with the Waratahs, with the young No. 10 slotting a late, long-range penalty to deliver a dramatic 27-26 win at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium during last year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The Reds are looking to bounce back in round five after suffering a one-sided loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch in their last outing. Before that, the Reds had started the 2025 season 2-0 after wins over Moana Pasifika and the Western Force.

“This is one of the big games on the rugby landscape in Australia in any year,” coach Les Kiss said in a statement.

“For us, putting on the Queensland jersey to play at home to face NSW makes it even more compelling.

“The players and staff have reconnected with loved ones and friends since returning from two games on the road.

“The focus is 100 per cent on Saturday night and making the adjustments we need from our game against the Crusaders last weekend.”

Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr are the starting front-rowers this week. Josh Canham and Ryan Smith are the locking duo, while Seru Uru, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson round out the starting pack as the three loose forwards.

McDermott and Lynagh are the halves, while Paisami joins utility Filipo Daugunu in the midfield. Tim ‘Junkyard Dog’ Ryan and Lachie Anderson are the starting wings, while Heremaia Murray has been named at fullback once again.

Not in the team this week is Liam Wright, who has been deemed unavailable due to an injury.

This match will kick off at 6:35 pm AEST.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

26

23

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Queensland Reds to take on NSW Waratahs

1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
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. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
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
13. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Heremaia Murray – TBC – Auckland Grammar – Te Rarawa RC, NZ
Reserves:  
16. Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
17. Alex Hodgman – Sunnybank – Mount Albert Grammar, Auckland – Suburbs RFC, Auck
18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
19.  Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar SchoolUnavailable through injury: Jock Campbell, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright