The Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs have picked near-full strength sides for the final trial in Roma with Super Rugby Pacific days away.
The Reds have welcomed back James O’Connor and Jordan Petaia, with the pair missing last week's defeat to the Force due to COVID.
O'Connor will partner Kalani Thomas in the halves with Tate McDermott still unavailable (COVID), whilst Petaia slots onto the wing despite talks of a move to fullback.
Jock Campbell will start the game at the back, joined in the back three by Filipo Daugunu, as Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook complete the centres.
Liam Wright will captain the side from blindside flanker, joined by Wallabies Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in the backrow.
Fellow Wallaby Taniela Tupou will make his return via the bench, joined by Alex Mafi, who has recovered from injury.
"We're excited to be playing in Roma this weekend," said coach Brad Thorn, who returns from his own COVID scare.
"Off the back of our Reds to Regions visits, we're looking forward to strengthening our connection with regional communities across Queensland.
"The Waratahs will provide tough competition. With the season kicking off next week it'll be a good contest between both sides.
"It's great we can support country towns and the people who live there by playing games like this - as the Queensland Reds, it's who we represent."
Meanwhile, the Waratahs have opted for Ben Donaldson in the halves, joined by newly announced captain Jake Gordon.
They are joined in the backline by Wallabies Izaia Perese and Lalakai Foketi as they look to back up their trial win from 12 months ago.
James Turner has been rewarded for his incredible trial form, forming the back-three alongside former Sevens star Dylan Pietsch and Alex Newsome, who starts the game at the back.
Angus Bell retains the starting spot from the Brumbies trial in the front-row, joined by Harry Johnson-Holmes and Tom Horton, whilst the impressive Geoff Cridge earns a start in the second-row alongside the returning Jed Holloway.
Former Wales international Jamie Roberts has been selected for his first game for the club via the bench.
The match will be streamed live and free via the reds.rugby website as part of the Santos Festival of Rugby
Queensland Reds v New South Wales Waratahs, Roma Rugby Union Club, Gallas Fox Park, kick-off 7:30pm AEST:
QUEENSLAND REDS
- Dane Zander
- Josh Nasser
- Feao Fotuaika
- Angus Blyth
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
- Liam Wright (c)
- Fraser McReight
- Harry Wilson
- Kalani Thomas
- James O’Connor
- Filipo Daugunu
- Hamish Stewart
- Josh Flook
- Jordan Petaia
- Jock Campbell
- Alex Mafi
- Harry Hoopert
- Taniela Tupou
- Seru Uru
- Angus Scott-Young
- Spencer Jeans
- Floyd Aubrey
- Mac Grealy
- Ryan Smith
- Lawson Creighton
- Taj Annan
NSW WARATAHS
- Angus Bell
- Tom Horton
- Harry Johnson-Holmes
- Jed Holloway
- Geoff Cridge
- Lachie Swinton
- Charlie Gamble
- Will Harris
- Jake Gordon (c)
- Ben Donaldson
- James Turner
- Lalakai Foketi
- Izaia Perese
- Dylan Pietsch
- Alex Newsome
Reserves
- Tetera Faulkner
- Mahe Vailanu
- Tiaan Tauakipulu
- Max Douglas
- Jeremy Williams
- Langi Gleeson
- Tom Silk
- Hugh Sinclair
- Henry Robertson
- Tane Edmed
- Tevita Funa
- Jamie Roberts
- Nick Chan
- Triston Reilly
- James Ramm
