No.8 Harry Wilson is delighted to be back in action for the Queensland Reds and feels refreshed entering tonight’s clash against the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium.
A knee clean-up in January and positive rehab has kept disruption to a minimum.
“I’m really stoked to have only missed one game. When I went under the knife that was the goal. It’s been a good timeline and I’ve ticked every box over the past five weeks,” Wilson said.
“The rest of my body feels really good after the extra break.”
He managed knee pain through a busy Test schedule with the Wallabies last year.
"It was something I had to deal with. I thought I managed it well to play some good footy," the Wallabies skipper said.
“You play a long Super Rugby season and an international season, everyone is going to have a few niggles.
“The way it felt in pre-season, it made sense to get it fixed up for what is another massive year ahead.
“To get the knee right and the body right, I feel confident heading into Round Three with things feeling really good”
Wilson said the Reds know the threat posed by the dangerous Highlanders, who toppled the champion Crusaders in their opening match of the season.
“They beat the defending champions a few weeks ago and had a tight loss to the Chiefs last weekend so we know the threat,” Wilson warned.
“Our first home game is exciting at a place where we love to play. The one thing about Reds fans they turn up in all weather conditions. If it's rainy or it's dry, they'll be there supporting us."
Carter Gordon will step up for his Queensland debut at flyhalf, having first been signed by the club at 17 while still at Brisbane Boys' College. Wilson remembers Gordon as a youngster around the squad before his detour to the Melbourne Rebels and the Gold Coast Titans.
"I remember him as a little choir boy and he's come back a new man, Carter," Wilson said with a laugh.
“He's always been strong defensively and played a lot of centres in league. I've got no doubt his defence will be a threat for us.”
Fellow Wallabies Josh Nasser, Filipo Daugunu and Kalani Thomas will return off the bench tonight.
