Hard-hitting centre Patrick Dellit returns at the expense of Rory Sidey in the Western Force team to play Super Rugby champions Queensland Reds in at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

He’ll form a tough tackling midfield partnership with New Zealander Winston Stanley, who moves to inside centre, as the Force aim to shut down the Reds’ attack.

Dellit played well in the Western Force A team last week after overcoming injury niggles from the pre-season.

His return is the only change to the starting side with Sidey moving to the bench.

Coach Richard Graham said his side wouldn’t be daunted by playing the champions as they return to their home ground after last week’s last-gasp win over the NSW Waratahs.

“We’ve got a strong rivalry with Queensland and the nature of derby matches means they are always played with a lot of intensity,” said Graham.

“We enjoy going to Brisbane and being part of that rivalry and have confidence in our preparations.”

Western Force: Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Winston Stanley, Napolioni Nalaga, James Stannard, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, David Pocock (capt), Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma’afu, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan. Res: Ben Whittaker, Kieran Longbottom, Phoenix Battye, Angus Cottrell, Ben Seymour, Rory Sidey, Sam Wara.