Queensland coach Les Kiss has backed teenager Dre Pakeho to thrive in a baptism of fire against the Welsh Dragon on Friday.
Pakeho, 19, has been a standout for Brothers in the 2024 Hospital Cup following two years in the Australia U18s & Schools program.
Tickets to Reds v Wales on Friday July 19 available here.
It's a major step up from clubland to debuting against Welsh flyers Nick Tompkins and Rio Dyer at Suncorp Stadium but Kiss says there's no better time to test the Reds Academy ace.
"Brothers have been sensational in the Hospital Cup here and he (Paheko) has been in very good form," Kiss told media on Wednesday.
"All year he's probably been one of the form 12s of our competition. He's been been brilliant at training here, he's trained a lot with our firsts team and he'll bring a lot.
"This is obviously another step up for him but that's what these occasions are for - to get exposure to players at every level."
Paheko won't be thrown in cold either with club teammates James O'Connor (flyhalf), Tim Ryan (outside centre) and a fellow debutant in the backline mixer.
"We've got young Will Cartwright who is going to deputise at number nine for us and he's also played a lot of wing for Brothers so there's another reason to bring him in," Kiss said.
"It's a young 12-13 for us, isn't it? I think the real key support is James (O'Connor) at 10 and Jock Campbell at 15. Those types of experiences are fantastic … and Timmy's up against Tompkins, so what a way to go in your first international."
O'Connor's selection at flyhalf and the inclusion of potential debutant Mason Gordon adds another layer of intrigue to the Reds' post-season.
Queensland are yet to lock 64-Test O'Connor beyond 2024 while Gordon is currently a free agent following the Rebels' exit from Super Rugby Pacific.
Unlike his former Melbourne teammates Josh Canham (signed through 2026), Lachie Anderson and Matt Gibbon (both transitioned from Rebels to Reds for 2025), Gordon remains without a Super Rugby Pacific contract for 2025 and is currently playing for Hospital Cup outfit Wests Bulldogs.
Kiss told media contract negotiations with O'Connor were "progressing well" but did not elaborate on the long-term future of either playmaker.
"I think the big focus that he (James) wanted was to get into this game and have an opportunity to go out there and put the number #10 jersey on for the Reds," Kiss said.
"He's been fantastic all year and I know the boys are all rallying around him for this opportunity, the type of leadership he'll offer from the middle to help out Jock from the back will be fantastic.
"He's stinging to go, that's for sure, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do on the pitch.
"(Mason)'s just looking for some opportunities, we've had some space there so we've just drafted him to help out this next period," Kiss added.
"You know, we'll see where that goes but he's been fantastic this past week working away with us."
Earlier on Wednesday, Jock Campbell was named Reds captain with Ryan Smith set to deputise.
The Welsh have also named a strong side to tackle Queensland in Friday's uncapped fixture with coach Warren Gatland set to unleash league convert Regan Grace on the wing.
