Queensland Reds leave out Caleb Timu for Cheetahs clash, lineup unchanged

The Reds have decided there is no rush to bring rugby league convert Caleb Timu into the Super Rugby side.

Caleb Timu playing for Sunnybank at the weekend. Picture: Jack Tran

The Queensland Reds have decided there is no rush to bring rugby league convert Caleb Timu into the Super Rugby side, naming a rare unchanged team for Saturday night’s clash with the Cheetahs at Suncorp Stadium.

With Curtis Browning having produced the game of his life last weekend against the Stormers at Newlands, there was no need for Timu’s strike power from the base of the scrum, at least for now.

Indeed, the backrow of Browning, Liam Gill and Henrick Tui has emerged as one of the best in the competition this season, one of the few areas where the Reds can exercise real control.

An unchanged team also means that Ben Matwijow retains his place in the second-row, having held onto his position when Rob Simmons became available last week. Cadeyrn Neville remains on the bench.

Queensland Reds team to play Cheetahs

Caleb Timu at Reds training this week. Picture: Darren England.

7:45pm, Saturday 30 April, Suncorp Stadium

1. James Slipper (C)

2. Andrew Ready

3. Greg Holmes

4. Ben Matwijow

5. Rob Simmons

6. Hendrik Tui

7. Liam Gill

8. Curtis Browning

9. Nick Frisby

10. Jake McIntyre

11. Eto Nabuli

12. Anthony Fainga’a

13. Samu Kerevi

14. Junior Laloifi

15. Karmichael Hunt

16. Saia Fainga’a

17. Sef Fa’agase

18. Sam Talakai

19. Cadeyrn Neville

20. Michael Gunn

21. James Tuttle

22. Duncan Paia’aua

23. Ayumu Goromaru