Reds, Waratahs set for Super time in Dalby

Queensland and NSW rivalry to resume on Darling Downs tomorrow night.

RUGBY UNION : New South Wales will roll out a host of big guns when they look to spoil the party for Reds' rugby supporters at Dalby tomorrow night.

The Waratahs and Reds meet at Dalby Rugby League Club ground at 7.30 in their final Super Rugby pre-season hitout before the 2020 competition begins next weekend.

A squad of 28 players and support staff landed at Wellcamp Airport today en-route to Dalby where, with the Reds, they will join in the town's gala pre-game activities.

The Waratahs began their pre-season last weekend with a Sydney victory over the Highlanders and tomorrow night they are looking to up the stakes against their long-time rivals.

Wallabies Michael Hooper, Kurtley Beale, Jack Dempsey and captain Rob Simmons will join the Waratahs bench tomorrow night for their first 2020 game.

"It's great. We're so excited to come out and help this region which has been going through some tough times and bring some excitement for the people," Simmons said.

"My parents are from Theodore, and they'll be coming down with some other family and friends to this game.

"We are going to go out and try and get through everything we've been practising in pre-season.

"It will be a good marker to see where we are at and hit the ground running next week."

Waratah's forwards coach Matt Cockbain said NSW was preparing for a torrid Red's welcome.

"We're very much looking forward to coming out to the country and being part of the spectacle," Cockbain said.

"It's always good to get out to the rural areas and play a game or two.

"It's probably the biggest rivalry in rugby.

"Certainly NSW and Queensland go way, way back over 100 years, and I think it's a rivalry that will always be there.

"From a rugby point of view, we're obviously starting a competition in a week's time and it's definitely important we settle on our best 15 going into the match against the Crusaders.

"We are looking to try a few things, making sure our systems work from an attacking perspective and a defensive perspective.

"There's also the chance for those players on the fringe to push really hard for positions.

"They'll throw everything at us, knowing the Reds like I do.

"They'll be up for it which is good for an interstate match like this.

"Hopefully we can withstand that and throw a bit back ourselves.

"We've got Michael Hooper, Rob Simmons who's our new captain and an ex-Queenslander himself, along with Kurtley Beale and also Jack Dempsey coming into the squad for their first games.

"They're the Wallabies guys returning to the Waratahs this week."