Harry Wilson to make timely comeback for Queensland after recovering from a broken arm

The Queensland Reds will receive a much-needed boost on Friday night with the return from injury of Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson.

Returning Queensland star Harry Wilson is adamant the Reds can “go deep” in the Super Rugby Pacific finals series despite a recent dip in form.

Wallabies skipper Wilson has been named in Queensland’s team for Friday night’s battle with the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium after missing the Reds’ past five games with a broken arm.

The Reds can all but lock up fourth spot on the ladder with a win, but a loss will result in them being leapfrogged by the Hurricanes, who currently sit two points adrift of the Queenslanders.

While the Reds had been desperate to secure a top-three berth, which would have given them a home qualifying final, fourth place theoretically gives them the best chance to reach the semi-finals, which will include a “lucky loser” from the first week of the playoffs.

“Top-four is where you want to be entering finals,” Wilson said.

“We want to go deep in the finals. That was our goal at the start of year, and I see no reason why we can’t do that.

“To be in that top four definitely gives you a little bit of a leg-up. It’s something we want to be a part of, and can help set us up to go as late as we can in the finals series.”

Queensland Reds star and Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson has recovered from a broken arm. Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

Four losses in their past six games has resulted in the Reds – who led the competition after seven rounds – sliding to down the ladder.

However, Wilson praised the Reds “grit” in the face of several injuries.

“I can’t wait to get back out there and help the boys out, and I just hope to be a part of some more Reds wins,” he said.

Reds coach Les Kiss said Wilson’s return in the No.8 position was a “real positive”.

“Harry has been a complete pro with the way he has worked hard to be supremely fit while in our rehab group,” Kiss said.

“We know the influence he has around the team.”

Also returning to Queensland’s team is flyhalf Tom Lynagh, who missed last Saturday’s 24-14 loss to the Brumbies due to concussion protocols.

Lynagh’s return results in Harry McLaughlin-Phillips dropping back to the bench.

There is also another change in the backs, with Dre Pakeho elevated from the bench to start in the centres.

To accommodate Pakeho’s inclusion, Filipo Daugunu will move from outside centre to the wing at the expense of Tim Ryan, who has been omitted from the starting team.

Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Trevor King, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan.