Houston on bench for Reds

Editor

The Reds have named their side for Friday’s return to Super Rugby against the Brumbies in Canberra, with several new faces in their squad.

That includes former Queensland and Australian Schoolboys representative Jack Tuttle, who has been named to make his Reds and Super Rugby debut at full-back. It will also be his first chance to play with younger brother James since high school.

Wallabies lock Kane Douglas and prop Taniela Tupou are also in line to make their Queensland debuts after being named on the bench, while number eight Leroy Houston has been named on the bench for his first Super Rugby game since 2011.

The side also features four returning Wallabies from the recent three-Test series against England, with James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Nick Frisby and Samu Kerevi all named in the starting side.

The injury to lock Rob Simmons in last weekend’s Test has presented an opportunity for recent Australian U20 representative Lukhan Tui to make his run-on debut for the Reds.

Reds co-interim head coach Nick Stiles said: “The guys are excited to be back in Super Rugby mode.

“We’re coming off a win against the Sunwolves in our last home game and need to keep building for the remainder of the season. While we’ve had three wins and a draw at home, we are yet to win away. The motivation to go down to Canberra and beat the Brumbies away from home is first and foremost in our minds.

“This Friday’s match also provides a strong opportunity for a few promising young players, who’ve trained with us all season and now get the chance to gain some valuable experience ahead of next year. Game time at Super Rugby level will be invaluable for their growth and development.”

Reds: 15 Jack Tuttle, 14 Chris Kuridrani, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Henry Taefu, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Curtis Browning, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Hendrik Tui, 5 Lukhan Tui, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Andrew Ready, 1 James Slipper (c)
Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga’a, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Kane Douglas, 20 Leroy Houston, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Campbell Magnay

Date: Friday, July 1
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19:45 local (09:45 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)