Just when it looked like things were turning around for the Queensland Reds, their Super Rugby crisis has deepened.
With the Reds looking to bounce back from last week’s 47-3 opening round hiding by the Brumbies in Canberra, preparations for Saturday’s home clash with the Western Force have been thrown into disarray following star recruit Karmichael Hunt’s arrest on allegations of supplying cocaine.
The news was the last thing the Reds needed ahead of the visit by the in-form Force, who upset the NSW Waratahs 25-13 in Sydney last week.
The Queensland Rugby Union confirmed on Friday that Hunt will sit out the clash at Suncorp Stadium and he’s unlikely to play until at least his March 5 appearance at a Gold Coast court.
No replacement has been named for Hunt as yet with Reds officials waiting to see if the match goes ahead amid fears it could be washed out due to heavy rain which has drenched Brisbane and already forced Friday’s A-League clash between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory to be postponed.
If the game goes ahead, wayward Wallaby James O’Connor will make his Reds debut.
O’Connor’s inclusion was one of four changes made by the Reds to take on the Force, with former All Black Adam Thomson also in line for his Reds debut.
Thomson will start at blindside flanker with Curtis Browning moving to the bench while former Australian Schoolboys representative Tom Murday has replaced Ed O’Donoghue on the bench and will make his Super Rugby debut if he comes on.
“I have been talking for a while now about James and Adam making their debuts for the Reds,” Queensland coach Richard Graham said.
“Adam has only been with the group now two weeks but has fitted in superbly. As a leader and a footballer he has been able to contribute positively to what we are doing.
“James will wear the number 10 jersey. He has spent the last two weeks training fully with the team and looks settled. He is motivated to help the team around the field and allow the side to find their attacking framework.”
Duncan Paiaaua (concussion) has also been ruled out, meaning utility Sam Johnson will take his spot on the bench.
Loosehead prop Francois van Wyk has been named to make his starting debut for the Force following his performance from the bench against the Waratahs.
The 24-year-old front-rower replaces Pek Cowan, who will be monitored regarding his pending return after scans cleared him of any serious injury having been carried from the field on Sunday.
The other change made by Force coach Michael Foley to the starting lineup is Zack Holmes coming in as fullback in the absence of Dane Haylett-Petty (foot).
Prop Chris Heiberg and winger Mitchell Scott are in line for their Super Rugby debuts after being named on the bench for the visitors.
A decision on whether the game will go ahead is expected for Saturday morning.