The Queensland Reds will unleash a near full strength line-up when they travel to Cairns for their opening trial game of 2012, against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday.
Wallabies stars James Horwill, Will Genia and Digby Ioane headline an extended 30-man squad set to ignite Barlow Park in what will be the Queensland Reds' first match together since their Super Rugby heroics last July.
The playing group includes 10 capped Wallabies from 2011.
The only players not available for the encounter, ruled out through injury, are Quade Cooper (knee), Rod Davies (hamstring), Anthony Faingaa (shoulder), Van Humphries (elbow), Peter Hynes (knee) and UJ Seuteni (hand).
The encounter against the Brumbies is one of two selection trial opportunities the team will receive before coach Ewen McKenzie cements his starting XV for round one.
It was also be an opportunity for the squad to test themselves against a Brumbies team coming off a strong 25-0 victory over the Force at the weekend.
"The Brumbies were impressive against the Force and their willingness to take penalty goals in their opening trial is evidence of the winning culture Jake White wants to instill down in Canberra," McKenzie said.
"Winning is a habit they'll want to continue in Cairns so it's now up to us to tackle that challenge, while at the same time ensure we test some new structures and ideas we're wanting to implement this coming season.
"These derby trials are always tough but it will be a good test to see which players put their training efforts into practice in the heat of the battle."
The Reds fly to Cairns on Thursday, February 9, and will spend five days in the North Queensland community before flying to Perth to take on the Force on February 16.
Reds squad:
Forwards: Albert Anae, Ben Daley, Kevin Davis, Saia Faingaa, Liam Gill, James Hanson, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, David McDuling, Eddie Quirk, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, Jake Schatz, Guy Shepherdson, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Adam Wallace-Harrison.
Backs: Chris Feauai-Sautia, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Michael Harris, Digby Ioane, Jono Lance, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Dallan Murphy, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai, Aidan Toua.
Date: Saturday, February 11
Venue: Barlow Park, Cairns
Kick-off: 19.00 (09.00 GMT)
Referee: TBC
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