Queensland could be without Tate McDermott for their final home match of the year with the scrumhalf racing the clock to be fit for Friday night's clash against the Blues.
McDermott was forced to limp from the field in Saturday's loss to the Jaguares after suffering an ankle injury early in the second half.
He reappeared on the bench with his right ankle wrapped in ice but was unable to run with the main squad on Monday.
The Sunshine Coast product has had a breakout year, forcing his way into the starting side after being named on the bench and impressing so much he has been mentioned as a World Cup squad bolter.
Souths young gun Scott Malolua made his Super Rugby debut off the bench and could be an option to start if McDermott does not regain fitness, while Moses Sorovi - who was dropped from the match-day 23 last week - starred for Wests in Queensland Premier Rugby on the weekend.
The Reds lost to the Jaguares, continuing a frustrating run of "near enough but not quite good enough" moments this season.
Coast Brad Thorn still sees the bright side for his his team.
"We're competing away, competing away and … you can't knock the Queensland boys' fight and their (will to) hang in there, it's just executing some stuff," Thorn said after the loss to the Jaguares.
"There were some opportunities at the end there and these lads don't give up - nor should they, they're wearing the maroon jersey and representing Queensland, so that should be a given - and I've been pleased with the guys' fronting, there's just little moments in the game that to win at this level, there's still some progress to be made.
"They're turning up to compete every game, they're not going away, they're in good condition.
"But we were just a little bit to go yet, which is frustrating."
The Reds have not yet equalled last year's benchmark of six wins and Thorn admitted getting close without snaring the points was disheartening.
"It's tough as a coach, because that's four games in a row now where they've fronted and really competed hard but you've got to go in the sheds and you didn't quite get there," he said.
"But you've got to earn that right, it's not just given to you.
"You've got to win those moments that have big impacts on the game and they're not far away in my opinion but there's a bit to go."
The Reds will attempt to turn the tables when they face the Blues in the final home match of the season at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, June 7, kicking off at 7:45pm and broadcast live on Fox Sports, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au radio.
