Reds Name Team for Super Rugby Pacific Lift-off in Sydney
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Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Louis Werchon have been installed as the halves pairing for the Queensland Reds for Friday night’s opener in Sydney in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific.
McLaughlin-Phillips, 21, steps up at No.10 to open 2026 against the NSW Waratahs after racking up 25 games for the Reds over the previous two seasons.
Halfback Werchon played seven matches during the off-season for Italian club Benetton Rugby under a landmark partnership with the Reds.
“Harry was the guy driving our squad from No.10 throughout the pre-season and had good game time in both our trials,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
“Louis has returned match-hardened and he’s certainly brought that experience and maturity into training.”
There will also be a Super Rugby debut for No.8 Vaiuta Latu to build on his promising start in maroon.
Latu, 20, made a good impression when introduced in the Super Rugby AUS competition late last season before his Queensland debut against Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in November.
Nicknamed “Vice” by his teammates and family, Latu has stepped up from a reserve grade grand final win with Brothers to this Super Rugby chance in less than six months.
Wallabies standout Fraser McReight will lead the Reds as skipper and combine in the backrow with Latu and Joe Brial.
Kiss said the team was excited to face their most traditional rivals in the opening round.
“We look forward to these matches against NSW on the calendar. It’s always a really physical match-up and a battle of wits,” Kiss said.
“What better way to kick-off the 30th year of Super Rugby.
“It's important we go out and nail those things we’ve trained for and represent the Queensland jersey the way we can.
"Vaiuta has done all the hard work throughout the off-season and he deserves this chance.
“(Prop) Aidan Ross will play Super Rugby for us for the first time in this game (after more than 100 games for the Chiefs). The locker room has welcomed him and he has had game opportunities to understand our system over the past seven months.
“The tight five is going to be very important in laying the platform and Aidan is a critical part of that. He will be packing down in the front-row with Zane Nonggorr and Matt Faessler. Behind them will be the experience of locks Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham.
"As well as the opportunity for Vaiuta, it's great that James Martens, Finn Mackay and Xavier Rubens are in line for potential Super Rugby Pacific debuts off the bench."
QUEENSLAND REDS vs NSW WARATAHS
Friday, February 13
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
6:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
Queensland Reds
1 Aidan Ross - Bond University - Otumoetai College, NZ - Te Puke Sports
2 Matt Faessler - Brothers - Toowoomba Grammar - USQ Saints
3 Zane Nonggorr - Bond University - The Southport School - Gold Coast Eagles
4 Josh Canham - Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequin RC, Melb
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - Souths - John Edmondson HS, Sydney - Southern Districts, Sydney
6 Joe Brial - University of Queensland - Scots College - Easts, Sydney
7 Fraser McReight (c) - Brothers - Brisbane Grammar - Albany Creek Brumbies
8 Vaiuta Latu* - Brothers - St Peters Lutheran College – Pine Rivers Pumas
9 Louis Werchon - Wests - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Maroochydore Swans
10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Wests - Brisbane Boys’ College - Gunnedah Red Devils
11 Tim Ryan - Brothers - St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami - Wests – Mangere College, Auckland - Manukau Rovers
13 Josh Flook - Brothers -Nudgee College - Brothers
14 Lachie Anderson - University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney - Dural RC, Sydney
15 Jock Campbell - University of Queensland - The Southport School - Inverell Highlanders
REPLACEMENTS
16 Richie Asiata - Sunnybank - Anglican Church Grammar School
17 George Blake - Bond University - The Southport School - Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
19 Seru Uru - TBC - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji - Namoli RC, Fiji
20 John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
21 James Martens** - GPS - Brisbane Boys’ College - Wests
22 Finn Mackay** - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
23 Xavier Rubens** - Souths - Brisbane Boys’ College - West Houston Lions, USA
* Super Rugby Pacific debut
** Potential Super Rugby Pacific debut
Unavailable through injury: Filipo Daugunu, Massimo De Lutiis, Carter Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Will McCulloch, Tate McDermott, Heremaia Murray, Josh Nasser, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Harry Wilson
