Will Genia: Will return to action on Saturday night

Queensland Reds half-back Will Genia says he will not worry if Western Force players target him when he finally makes his return to action.

Genia has been named to start for the Reds in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash against the Force at Suncorp Stadium in his first game since undergoing a knee reconstruction.

The Wallabies scrum-half, who will skipper the Reds, is expected to play just 40 minutes as coach Ewen McKenzie eases his star man back into the fold after a six-month lay-off.

Genia has not played since he injured knee ligaments playing for the Wallabies in a Test against South Africa last September.

"I know I have done the hard work in getting my body right," Genia said.

"It has actually been fortunate in a way because it has allowed me to have a full pre-season.

"I am refreshed after being out of the game for so long. I am happy about my fitness and my head space."

Genia makes his return to action against the Force, who thought they had signed him when he was coming out of contract last year - only for him to renege on the deal and stay with the Reds on a less lucrative contract.

Asked if he expected the Force players to seek retribution, a defiant Genia said: "If they do, they do. I don't really care.

"I'm where I'm happy. That's all that matters to me."