Wallabies bolter Massimo de Lutiis will lace up for his maiden Super Rugby Pacific appearance this week after being named to start in Queensland's Round 2 clash.
Tighthead de Lutiis, 21, edged out 10-Test prop and former schoolmate Zane Nonggorr to run out alongside Sef Faa'agase and Richie Asiata in a new-look Reds front row on Friday.
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Speaking with media on Wednesday, Queensland coach Les Kiss backed de Lutiis to deliver on his potential against a powerful Moana Pasifika pack at Suncorp Stadium.
"it's an exciting time for him, first and foremost we're at home at Suncorp in front of family so to get to have a debut in Super Rugby hereat home is fantastic," Kiss told reporters.
"But let's not forget we've had an international season that's served him well and he's been capped already against Wales and Tonga, the Japanese game(s) and that UK tour.
"Since Day 1 when I met (de Lutiis) in an office here in Ballymore he impressed me. He's got a steely look in his eye and he's willing to do what it takes.
"He's very coachable and determined to get better every day and he's just shown that in spades … so no qualms from the boys - they're very happy to have him.
"His set piece is important to us. Against Japan in his first game he had a great scrum to make sure we won that game but he's got a real strong sense of his carry and his defence as well.
"Earlier on we had to manage his height but now he's getting stronger and better lower and I think that improvement alone has given us the confidence to give him the start."
De Lutiis turned heads earlier this year after being named in Joe Schmidt's January Wallabies camp and said being named for his Super Rugby Pacific debut was the latest step in a "long journey".
“I’m excited for Friday night. It’s been a pretty long journey and very satisfying because of the hard work you put in. It doesn’t stop here, I want to keep it going," de Lutiis said in a statement.
“I’ve said it before, I turn up every day to train with a front-row group and coaches with great experience of the tips and tricks and feedback needed to become a better prop.
“Playing a number of times for the Reds already has definitely given me a feel for it.”
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lachie Anderson
PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Feteleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Samuel Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Sione Havili Talitui, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Melani Matavo, Danny Toala, Losi Filipo
