Super Rugby: Flook to return for Reds against Fijian Drua

News.com.au

28-05-2025

Wallabies centre Josh Flook will make a timely return from injury on Saturday night for a Queensland Reds side desperate to find winning form ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific finals series.
The Reds will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat when they meet Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium in the final round of the regular season.
Regardless of the result, the fifth-placed Queenslanders will finish in the top-six due a massive for and against advantage of 96 over sixth-placed Moana Pasifika.
However, depending on the result of Saturday's earlier game between the Hurricanes and Pasifika, a Reds win could left them to fourth spot, which could be crucial after the first week of the finals, with a 'lucky loser' to progress to the week two of the playoffs.
That aside, the Queenslanders are intent on returning to winning ways this weekend, with Flook's sooner-than-expected inclusion for the first time since injuring his hamstring on March 1 against Western Force a huge boost.
'I'll just be loving every moment out there,' he said.
'I've rehabbed it really well and can't speak highly enough of the rehab staff at the Reds. I'm back three or four weeks earlier than we were initially thinking.
'I ticked some boxes speed-wise last week and progressed from there.
'I was devastated when the injury first happened. It's been a long process to get back but a good one.
'I've loved watching the boys this year. It's been difficult, but they've played some really good footy.'
Reds coach Les Kiss said Flook added a 'calm and controlled voice in that crucial outside centre channel'.
'We welcome back 'Flooky' and his partnership in the centres with Hunter (Paisami),' Kiss said.
'It has always been a strong point for us,' Kiss said.
Flook replaces Dre Pakeho, while winger Tim Ryan has been recalled to the starting line-up at the expense of Filipo Daugunu, who drops to the bench.
Meanwhile, Wallabies forward Seru Uru has signed a new deal with the Reds for the 2026 campaign.
'I'm really happy to be sticking around at the Reds,' said Uru, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
'I started my professional rugby journey here and I've always called Ballymore home.
'It's a such a special moment for me when I come into Ballymore each day and see my name on the locker in our dressing room.
'I see the names there of players I have great friendships with now, and players who have moved on but are still important.'
Reds: Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu. Read related topics: Brisbane