Reds coaching director Ewen McKenzie has allayed the Blues’ fears that their opening rugby trial in flood-hit Queensland could be cancelled.

Blues coach John Kirwan thought the worst after witnessing on TV the damage caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald as it moved down Queensland’s south-east coast.

But McKenzie on Tuesday said he had no worries after unveiling a 28-strong squad captained by Anthony Faingaa and featuring 11 Wallabies for the clash.

He dismissed any issues about travelling to Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, saying they would hold a school visit there on Wednesday.

“The field is halfway up the side of a hill so I don’t think there will be any problems in that sense,” McKenzie said.

“There is some flooding between here and there but by the weekend it will be pretty clear.

“We are excited about playing there.”

It would be a relief for Kirwan who tossed up the possibility of cancelling the match at an Auckland press conference earlier on Tuesday.

“Our thoughts firstly go out to everyone that is struggling over there, I just hope everyone there is okay and if we have to cancel, we cancel,” Kirwan said.

“We got up this morning and there was a state of emergency for Brisbane.

“So we just contacted them (Reds) this morning and said we will do whatever you need us to do, just let us know.”

Faingaa beat a host of contenders vying for the captaincy reins with Wallabies skipper James Horwill (hamstring) still regaining fitness and halfback Will Genia (knee) sidelined.

Faingaa will chime into a near full-strength backline featuring Quade Cooper – six days before the playmaker makes his professional boxing debut in Brisbane.

Cooper will combine with Ben Lucas in the halves, Faingaa and Ben Tapuai are in the centres, Luke Morahan and Digby Ioane on the wings and Mike Harris at fullback.

McKenzie hoped Horwill would return for the Reds’ second and last trial against 2012 championship-winning Chiefs on February 8 but did not rule out throwing their skipper “in cold” against the ACT Brumbies in their Super Rugby opener on February 16.

He said Genia was ahead of schedule but could not pinpoint a return date.

“The main thing is he doesn’t have any setbacks and we don’t get ahead of ourselves,” McKenzie said.

Meanwhile, Kirwan said he would name a young side on Thursday, ruling out captain Ali Williams, Charlie Faumuina, Piri Weepu, Rene Ranger and Peter Saili.

Luke Braid looks set to be named captain.