The Queensland Reds are feeding off fullback Karmichael Hunt’s State of Origin hatred of NSW ahead of Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Waratahs.

Reds playmaker Quade Cooper says the Waratahs will be desperate to bounce back from their humiliating 26-24 home loss to South Africa’s struggling Kings – a result which left them sharing a miserable 2-6 season win-loss record with his own team.

However he warns the Reds have extra fuel to end their six-game losing streak in clashes with the Waratahs thanks to some Origin spirit from code hopper Hunt and Queensland assistant coach Brad Thorn.

“Karmichael and Brad Thorn played State of Origin (for Queensland) – those sort of guys you can feel the energy coming off them,” Cooper said on Monday.

Cooper said the Reds hoped to use the clash with the Waratahs as a launching pad for a last-gasp finals push.

The Reds are one win – but seven points – behind Australian conference leaders the Brumbies (3-5) with seven games left, while the Waratahs are a further point back.

“There is a very good opportunity to leapfrog a few teams,” Cooper said of the Reds’ finals hopes.

“We can climb our way back up the ladder, and more importantly the conference ladder.

“If all goes well we will be in a good position.”

Queensland are fresh from a bye after their 47-34 win over the Kings and are expected to welcome back Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore who was rotated out of the side for the Kings clash.

Cooper was itching to line up against Wallabies playmaker rival Bernard Foley after spending more time on the sidelines than he would like.

Cooper came back from a three match ban against the Kings, only to miss the next week due to the Reds’ bye.

“I can’t wait to get back out onto the field,” he said. “It’s tough sitting on the sidelines watching.

“Going into a bye after a win is a little bit frustrating.”