Reds wunderkind Jodan Petaia ruled out of Jaguares match with shoulder injury
A shoulder injury at training has ruled gun centre Jordan Petaia out of winless Queensland’s clash with the Jaguares in Argentina on Sunday.
Petaia will have scans on his return to Brisbane, the latest setback a cruel blow after a foot injury derailed his 2019 Super Rugby campaign in round two.
Fullback Bryce Hegarty drops to the bench, with winger Jock Campbell shifted to the back after the Reds missed their chance to topple South Africa’s Lions last weekend.
“We’re gutted for Jordan,” coach Brad Thorn said.
“He’ll return home with the squad and will be looked at for further diagnosis. It’s personally frustrating for him and also for us.”
Continue reading below…
Petaia will be replaced by in-form centre Hunter Paisami while forward Harry Hockings (hand) returns from injury to the bench.
Chris Feauai-Sautia will play his first game of 2020 after being named on the wing, while Angus Blyth will start at lock and shift Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to the backrow.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8hZeorgmQP/
Paisami has impressed off the bench so far this season in narrow losses to the Brumbies and Lions but will have his hands full against last year’s grand finalists.
“We’ve had two tight games and we’re looking to finish this tour (well and) take something back with us,” Thorn said.
“We’ve got two bonus points but we’re looking for that win to put us in a good space.”
Reds: Jock Campbell, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Hunter Paisami, Hamish Stewart, Henry Speight, James O’Connor, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright (c), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, JP Smith. Reserves: Sean Farrell, Dane Zander, Josh Nasser, Harry Hockings, Angus Scott-Young, Moses Sorovi, Isaac Lucas, Bryce Hegarty.
– AAP
New Reds fullback Jock Campbell was optimistic ahead of jumping on the play to Argentina: