More cavalry has arrived for the embattled Queensland Reds with Karmichael Hunt and Liam Gill set to face the Melbourne Rebels on Friday and Rob Simmons to join them on their forthcoming tour of South Africa.

Hunt and Gill both return from suspension, with the latter set to start against the Rebels at AAMI Park – although coach Richard Graham was coy on whether Hunt would do the same or come off the bench.

Gill had been banned for a wrestling tackle in their loss against the Brumbies a fortnight ago while Hunt was stood down while charges over cocaine possession were heard.

Wallabies lock Simmons, meanwhile, is nearly over a shoulder nerve injury that has kept him sidelined since pre-season and should be fit to play in one or both of Queensland’s games against the Bulls and Cheetahs.