Queensland Reds to tackle Brumbies without Lynagh, Salakaia-Loto and Uru

The Queensland Reds’ depth will be tested when they take on the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

Queensland’s hopes of beating the ACT Brumbies on Saturday night have been hit by the loss of Test trio Tom Lynagh, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Seru Uru.

Flyhalf Lynagh (concussion), lock Salakaia-Loto (shoulder) and flanker Uru (knee) will miss the Super Rugby Pacific battle in Canberra, where the Reds can ill-afford a loss in their bid to secure a top-three finish and a home finals clash.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Ryan Smith and Joe Brial will be the injured trio’s respective replacements.

In one other change to the Reds side that started in Queensland’s 28-21 win over the NSW Waratahs last Friday, centre Hunter Paisami returns from a hip injury, replacing Dre Pakeho, who drops back to the bench.

“We certainly showed our qualities of grit and belief with how strongly we finished the against the NSW Waratahs,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.

“It was very pleasing coming off the short turnaround from our previous match in Fiji.”

Reds flanker Seru Uru is sidelined with a knee injury. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Kiss backed young gun McLaughlin-Phillips to perform well in the absence of Lynagh

“Harry had a very strong second half when he came in for Tom against the Waratahs and has stepped up for us with his opportunities this season,” the Reds coach said.

“He’s a solid, tough lad too. We’re lucky in that sense. He can take the line on.

“Our leadership (group) has a lot of faith in him as well,”

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Reds squad member Mason Gordon has announced his retirement on medical grounds due to ongoing symptoms after being concussed in pre-season training.

“This is not how, or when, I anticipated my career concluding after I signed a contract at the Queensland Reds in October 2024, the same year I made my Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels,” fullback Gordon said in an open letter.

“This is an unfortunate injury, however I am grateful for the memories I have of my professional rugby career and will cherish the friendships I have made forever.”

Gordon made four Super Rugby appearances for the Rebels, and debuted to the Reds against Wales in July last year.

“He’s a quality human being,” Kiss said of Gordon.

“You could see it meant lot to him to become a Red. We’ll continue to look after him.”

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

Originally published as Queensland Reds to tackle Brumbies without Lynagh, Salakaia-Loto and Uru