Wallabies halfback Will Genia will hit the ground running in his long-awaited Super Rugby comeback from a knee reconstruction on Saturday night.
Queensland confirmed Genia would not only take up the captaincy reins but also start against the Western Force in their Suncorp Stadium clash.
Genia said he was returning a week earlier than first planned but would only play the first half against the Force.
“Hopefully from then on I will be playing the full 80,” he said in Brisbane on Tuesday.
A six-month stint on the sidelines is finally over for Genia who damaged his knee playing for the Wallabies in Perth last September.
But Genia could find some positives about his long layoff.
“I know I have done the hard work in getting my body right. It has actually been fortunate in a way because it has allowed me to have a full pre-season,” he said.
“I am refreshed after being out of the game for so long. I am happy about my fitness and my head space.”
Nick Frisby is expected to take over the No.9 jersey in the second half after his impressive hand in the Reds’ 23-13 last round win over the Melbourne Rebels that boosted their record to 3-1.