St.George Queensland Reds announce Round 3 team for first home match against Crusaders

The St.George Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday's clash against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium. 

Harry Hockings will start at lock, as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifts to blindside flanker for the Reds first home match of 2019.

A reshuffle to the backrow sees Angus Scott-Young at number eight, with Caleb Timu on the bench. 

Timu will form a formidable backrow interchange pairing with Scott Higginbotham, who is set to play his first Super Rugby game of 2019 after missing last week's trip to Dunedin with a shoulder injury. 

Powerhouse frontrower JP Smith will also make his return from injury (knee) this weekend after being named alongside Higginbotham on the bench. 

After causing plenty of headaches for the Highlanders defence, Queensland's backline remains the same from last week.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s good to have Higgers and JP back. They bring good experience and provide us with a strong bench.

“Harry has been working hard at training and deserves his spot in the starting side this week.

“Lukhan and Angus are both big mobile players who provide us with good versatility and options in the backrow.

“The Crusaders are an experienced team. We can’t wait to play in front of our home fans and see the stands filled with maroon,” said Thorn. 

For the second year running, the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) is proud to partner with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) as part of Ladies Round this weekend.

Rugby fans will be treated to a ‘pink’ themed double-header at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off with the St.George Queensland Women’s XV hosting RugbyWA women, before the Reds take on the Crusaders.

The event aims to raise awareness and funds for BCNA, which supports Australian women and men affected by breast cancer.

In recognition of this, the Reds will have the option to wear pink shoe laces, while the Queensland Women’s XV team will wear pink socks.

Tickets for Saturday’s double-header at Suncorp Stadium can be purchased via http://bit.ly/2019RedsTickets

St.George Queensland Reds v Crusaders – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on March 2 at 6:30pm AEST

1. Feao Fotuaika – Souths
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4. Izack Rodda – Easts
5. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland 
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
7. Liam Wright – Easts 
8. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
9. Moses Sorovi – Wests 
10. Hamish Stewart – Bond University 
11. Sefa Naivalu – TBC 
12. Samu Kerevi (c) – Souths
13. Jordan Petaia – Wests 
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
15. Bryce Hegarty – GPS

16. Alex Mafi – Bond University
17. JP Smith – GPS 
18. Ruan Smith – GPS
19. Caleb Timu – Souths
20. Scott Higginbotham – Wests 
21. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland 
22. Duncan Paia’aua – Norths 
23. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank