QLD Reds coach Richard Graham has named a strong 30-man squad to take on the Crusaders at Ballymore on Saturday in their opening hit out of 2016.

The squad features 20 returning Reds, as well as 10 players who will be pulling on the Reds jersey for the first time. Included in those new to the team colours are former NRL winger Eto Nabuli, former Rebels lock Cadeyrn Neville and boom teenage prop Taniela Tupou.

The side will be led by Wallabies lock Rob Simmons in his first hit-out since the Rugby World Cup Final.

“I’m excited by the progress we’ve made physically in the pre-season but it’s now about testing ourselves under pressure. There is a lot of competition for spots and that’s a good position to be in,” Graham said.

The Reds play the Crusaders at Ballymore Stadium this Saturday, 6 February, at 7:30pm.

Reds team to play Crusaders 

1. Ben Daley
2. Andrew Ready
3. Sam Talakai
4. Cadeyrn Neville
5. Rob Simmons (C)
6. Lolo Fakaosilea
7. Liam Gill
8. Jake Schatz
9. Nick Frisby
10. Jake McIntyre
11. Eto Nabuli
12. Henry Taefu
13. Samu Kerevi
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
15. Karmichael Hunt

Reserves
Saia Fainga’a
Sef Fa’agase
Taniela Tupou
Ben Matwijow
Lukhan Tui
Curtis Browning
Maclean Jones
Michael Gunn
James Tuttle
Mack Mason
Chris Kuridrani
Duncan Paia’aua
Campbell Magnay
Alex Gibbon
Sam Greene