Queensland star James O’Connor to start for the first time this season

The experienced James O’Connor has done enough off the bench to return to Queensland’s starting team.

James O'Connor (centre) has been recalled to Queensland’s starting team. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

James O’Connor will make his first start of the Super Rugby Pacific season at the expense of Tom Lynagh as the Queensland Reds bid to return to winning form against Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Lynagh, the 19-year-old son of Queensland and Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, has started at fly half in the Reds’ opening three games of the season.

However. Queensland coach Brad Thorn has responded to his side’s 23-17 loss to the ACT Brumbies last Saturday night by dropping Lynagh to the bench and replacing him in the No.10 jersey with the experienced O”Connor, who played for the final 40 minutes in Canberra.

It’s one of three changes Thorn has made to his starting 15.

Wallaby Jock Campbell will also start for the first time this season, having been chosen at fullback.

Campbell’s elevation has resulted in excitement machine Jordan Petaia shifting to the wing, with former Melbourne Storm star Suliasi Vunivalu dropping to the bench.

The other change is forced, with inside centre Taj Annan to make his Super Rugby starting debut, filling the vacancy left by Wallaby Hunter Paisami, who has been ruled out with concussion.

Tom Lynagh has been dropped to the Queensland bench. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Drua will be anything but pushovers following their upset 25-24 win over the Crusaders in Lautoka last Saturday.

“The Drua are coming off a memorable win in Fiji,” Reds mentor Thorn said.

“They’re a great attacking team and can hurt you from anywhere on the field. It should be a great afternoon with some fast, attacking rugby on display.”

Meanwhile, Reds flanker Fraser McReight has re-signed with Queensland and Rugby Australia until the end of 2025.

“I love playing for Queensland, it’s my home, so I’m super excited to be able to play here for another two years,” the 24-year-old Wallaby said.

“This team has plenty left to achieve and I want to be here when we do.

“I’m really enjoying my time here working hard with the boys and the staff, which makes coming into work very enjoyable.

“I love representing my state and country and that’s my first priority. It’s an exciting time in Australian rugby with a new coach (Eddie Jones), World Cup and (British and Irish) Lions tour coming up.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Jones, who recently replaced the sacked Dave Rennie as Wallabies coach, said McReight had “plenty of potential”.

“He’s made a good start to the year with Queensland and we’re looking forward to watching him closely throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season,” Jones said of the former Junior Wallabies captain.

Reds: Dane Zander. Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Taj Annan, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield, Connor Vest, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Suliasi Vunivalu