Star flanker Liam Wright set for long-awaited return from shoulder injury

It has been a long wait for Reds star Liam Wright, but the Queensland flanker is finally ready to return from a shoulder injury.

Reds flanker Liam Wright is set to make his first appearance since captaining the Wallabies last July after being named on Queensland’s bench for Saturday night’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against Western Force in Perth.

Wright hasn’t played in more than seven months after injuring his shoulder in his first match as Wallabies skipper, a 25-16 win over Wales at Allianz Stadium.

He had hoped to be fit for the Reds’ first game of the new season, last Friday’s 56-36 victory at Suncorp Stadium over Moana Pasifika.

However, Wright’s return was delayed until this weekend, with his inclusion among a host of changes Reds coach Les Kiss has made to his 23-man squad.

“It’s fantastic to see Liam Wright back to full fitness,” Kiss said of the Queensland co-captain.

“The value he adds to our game is immense and the lineout is just one element. His experience will be important at the back-end of the game.”

Reds star Liam Wright is set to return from a shoulder injury this weekend against Western Force. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Wright said he was “feeling really good”.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend – it’s been a real journey, this one,” he said.

“I’m just going to enjoy being back on the field again for all the minutes I get, and keep working my way back to that same picture and go again.”

Kiss has made six alterations to the team that started last week, including three in the forward pack, with prop Zane Nonggor, hooker Matt Faessler and lock Angus Blyth replacing Massimo De Lutiis, Richie Asiata and Josh Canham respectively.

De Lutiis and Canham have dropped back to the bench, while Asiata has missed the squad entirely.

In the backs, Kiwi fullback Heremaia Murray, centre Dre Pakeho and former Melbourne Rebels winger Lachie Anderson replace the injured Jock Campbell (arm), the suspended Hunter Paisami and the benched Tim Ryan.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Jock to injury and Hunter to suspension, but it’s great to have such backline options,” Kiss said.

“Dre’s maturity over the past 12 months and his preparation has been brilliant. The boys have confidence in him.

“Lachie Anderson has punch, power and pace. It’s a chance for him and a great opportunity to see Tim’s wares from the bench.

Former Melbourne Rebels winger Lachie Anderson has been elevated to Queensland’s starting team. Picture: Martin Keep/AFP

“Heremaia has Super Rugby experience (with the Crusaders) and is a very smart footballer.”

Kiss said the Force, who have won both their matches this season, would be confident of another victory on home soil.

“It’s a challenge we are all looking forward to. We know the Force have been impressive and are certainly showing the appetite to play for 80 minutes,” he said.

“There’s a lot of jeopardy still in the game. No team can just rush out and take away the game. Each game has some form of comeback in it.

“The refs are trying to keep flow in the game. There’s speed of ball, a quickening of set pieces and people are staying engaged with it. I just think it’s exciting for the game overall.”

Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Dre Pakeho, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray. Heremaia Murray Josh Nasser, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham. Liam Wright, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan.

Originally published as Star flanker Liam Wright set for long-awaited return from shoulder injury