The Reds backrow plans have been thrown into turmoil with Caleb Timu unavailable for their clash with the Rebels after a send-off in club rugby.
For the most part, Timu responded perfectly to his Super Rugby omission with a double for Souths in Queensland Premier Rugby in a first-up win.
The backrower crossed twice for the Magpies in a clash with Sunnybank but was embroiled in a to-and-fro with Sunnybank centre Nick Kepu, with both players sent off.
With his judiciary hearing not until next Monday, Timu will not be available to play Super Rugby this weekend as the Reds host the Rebels.
Timu's absence compounds news that Angus Scott-Young was cited in their win over the Brumbies for a punch on prop James Slipper.
Scott-Young faced a SANZAAR hearing via videolink on Monday night with the result of that hearing yet to be confirmed.
If he is suspended, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto would likely come into blindside flanker with Harry Hockings able to start at lock.
Reds squad hooker Efi Maafu made his presence felt for Wests as the Bulldogs made a round one statement in Brisbane, beating Norths 49-0.
Aidan Toua was at fullback for Brothers as they nabbed a 26-20 win over Bond Uni on Saturday afternoon.
Reds duo Jock Campbell and Adam Korczyk crossed for UQ as last year's runners-up opened their year with a big win over Easts, going up against recent Reds debutant Jack Hardy, who was at fullback for Easts.
RESULTS
Brothers 26 - Bond Uni 20
Sunnybank 14 - Souths 26
Norths 0 - Wests 49
UQ 38 - Easts 12
