Suliasi Vunivalu left out of Queensland Reds

Former NRL star Suliasi Vunivalu has been overlooked for Queensland’s trip to Melbourne to meet the Rebels.

Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu has suffered another setback. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Suliasi Vunivalu continues to struggle to secure a permanent Reds spot, with the former Melbourne Storm NRL star left out of Queensland’s squad to meet the Rebels due to excessive cramping.

Vunivalu, who switched codes at the end of the 2020 season, has failed to make an expected impact in rugby union.

Plagued by injury problems in the past two years, Vunivalu’s cramping issues this season have resulted in him being overlooked for the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Rebels at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

Excitement machine Jordan Petaia, who missed Queensland’s 27-24 win over Fijian Drua last Sunday because of an ankle injury, will return to replace Vunivalu on the wing.

It’s one of three changes to the Reds’ starting side.

Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott will drop back to the bench in a “planned rest week” for the Queensland co-captain.

Suliasi Vunivalu will miss the Reds’ trip to Melbourne. Picture: William West / AFP

Kalani Thomas will replace McDermott in the No.9 jersey, while fit-again Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami returns at the expense of Taj Annan, who drops to the bench.

Flyhalf Tom Lynagh, who was among last week’s replacements after starting in Queensland’s first three games of the season, has been ruled out with concussion.

The Reds are searching for back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

“We’re expecting a tough contest down in Melbourne,” Queensland coach Brad Thorn said.

“The Rebels have been impressive so far this season.”

Star Reds No.8 Harry Wilson will earn his 50th Queensland cap on Saturday night.

“Congratulations to Harry. It’s a special and well-deserved achievement,” Thorn said.

Prop Phransis Sula-Siaosi is in contention to make his first Super Rugby appearance after being named among the reserves.

“Phransis impressed us during the Challenger Series and Japan Tour last year. It’s a great reward to see him potentially make his Super Rugby debut,” Thorn said.

Reds: Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Tate McDermott, Isaac Henry, Taj Annan.