Curtis Browning earns first start for Queensland Reds in clash with Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium

FORMER Australian Under-20s skipper Curtis Browning will start for the first time in a revamped Reds side to face the Crusaders.

FORMER Australian Under-20s skipper Curtis Browning will start for the first time in a revamped Queensland Reds side to face the in-form Crusaders in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.

Browning, 20, will slot in the blindside flanker role vacated by the injured Ed Quirk (ribs) after five games getting the feel of the pace and timing of Super Rugby as a replacement.

The grandson of former Wallaby centre Dick Marks will take his spot in a remodelled backrow with Beau Robinson coming in at No. 7 for the injured Liam Gill (calf).

Prop Ben Daley must lift his scrum work as replacement for the suspended James Slipper at loosehead. James Hanson will start ahead of Saia Faingaa at hooker.

Curtis Browning will start for the Reds against the Crusaders.

If the Reds are to snap a disturbing four-game losing streak they need more roaming input from their wingers at Suncorp Stadium.

Dom Shipperley returns from hip trouble to replace injured Chris Feauai-Sautia (dislocated shoulder) while rookie Jamie-Jerry Taulagi must make more of his latest chance ahead of Rod Davies on the other wing.

On the bench, lock-flanker Dave McDuling has a big shot at making his Reds debut after his 2012-13 seasons were ruined by back-to-back knee reconstructions.

“Curtis has continued to develop well throughout the season and his work at the tackle and ability to get to the gainline will be important this weekend,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.

“Through injury across the season we haven’t been able to present consistent selection in the back three, however Dom (Shipperley) returns from injury and will add some speed and experience in the backfield.

“On the other wing JJ starts and will be better for the range of experiences he has been exposed to this season.

“The results have not gone our way, but we realise we are not that far off. The playing group have continued to work hard for that turning point moment.”

This Sunday’s 4pm clash is the Reds’ Family Round and celebrates the important role the family unit plays in rugby.

Skipper James Horwill (Wests), Quade Cooper (Souths), Quirk (Redlands), Gill, Ben Lucas and Jake Schatz (all Sunnybank) will be amongst the Reds players heading to their old junior clubs on Friday night to excite a new wave of young rugby players.

All Blacks legend Richie McCaw is back in the familiar No. 7 jersey for the Crusaders with Matt Todd on the injury list although centre Ryan Crotty will lead the side.

Reds team to play Crusaders

1. Ben Daley

2. James Hanson

3. Greg Holmes

4. Rob Simmons

5. James Horwill (c)

6. Curtis Browning

7. Beau Robinson

8. Jake Schatz

9. Will Genia

10. Quade Cooper

11. Jamie-Jerry Taulagi

12. Anthony Faingaa

13. Ben Tapuai

14. Dom Shipperley

15. Mike Harris

Reserves

16. Saia Faingaa

17. Albert Anae

18. Jono Owen

19. Ed O’Donoghue

20. Dave McDuling

21. Nick Frisby

22. Ben Lucas

23. Rod Davies

Originally published as Curtis Browning earns first start for Queensland Reds in clash with Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium