The return of Wallaby Filipo Daugunu in the centres is a timely boost for the Queensland Reds ahead of Friday night’s clash against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.
Daugunu comes back in as one of the form backs in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific, having scored six tries. He tops the line breaks chart (seven) at the Reds for 2025.
Dre Pakeho will be partnered in the centres by the strong-running Daugunu because last Sunday’s travel day from Fiji and a short six-day turnaround between matches has left Hunter Paisami needing more time to repair a badly corked leg.
Tom Lynagh will start this week at flyhalf. It was Lynagh’s clutch penalty goal at the death which secured the Reds a tight 27-26 win over the Waratahs on their visit to Sydney in 2024.
In the pack, John Bryant will start at No.8 with Joe Brial’s versatility across the backrow being utilised for impact from the bench.
On the bench, Wallabies hooker Josh Nasser returns for his fourth game of the season.
“It’s great to have Filipo back for the challenge in Sydney. We have huge respect for NSW and their five-from-five record on home turf this season,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
“Filipo has consistently been one of our best this season and he’s ready to fire. He travelled with the team to Fiji last week to finalise his preparation into this week.
“John Bryant has been patient all year and has worked hard on his game throughout. He has played for the Reds Development team and his club Souths, as well as his matches for the Reds, so he is ready to go.
“It’s fantastic to see Josh Nasser back. His experience will be good for us, coming off the bench alongside other senior forwards.”
Kiss has seen the right style of determination in his squad since the return from Suva last weekend.
“The boys are focussed and have worked on the areas we want to get right after the disappointment of the last-minute loss to the Fijian Drua,” Kiss said.
“Both Queensland and NSW prize the Templeton Cup in this oldest of rivalries. We know we have to be very good to win at Allianz Stadium.”
Daugunu is looking forward to his return after a three-game absence.
“It’s going to be a big game. I’ll do my best to help the team to win. Dre is a young talent in the centres. We have played together before, including against the Waratahs earlier this year,” Daugunu said.
Lynagh appreciates the longstanding rivalry to Friday night as well.
“Plenty of history and, obviously, ‘The Tempo’ is on the line. We are going down to Sydney to defend that and hopefully bring it back to Brissy,” Lynagh said.
“It’s always a big game against NSW, a fierce rivalry. Sydney is a tough place to play but we’ll be up for it.”
Friday, May 9
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
7:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1. Sef Fa’agase - Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata - Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Zane Nonggorr - Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney – Southern Districts, Sydney
6. Seru Uru - Wests - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
9. Tate McDermott (c) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Pine Rivers Pumas
13. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland - St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace - Easts
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
18. Massimo De Lutiis - Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
20. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
21. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
22. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
23. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
Unavailable through injury: George Blake, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Alex Hodgman, Will McCulloch, Hunter Paisami, Harry Wilson, Liam Wrigh
