Caleb Timu could return for Queensland after being named on the bench to play against Melbourne on Friday after serving his lengthy club rugby suspension.

A Wallabies bolter last year, the backrower has not featured on a Super Rugby team sheet since the fifth round.

Set to be injected when the Reds were last slated to play the Rebels, the two-test No.8 was suspended for five games for his involvement in a club rugby fight.

The 25-year-old is back in the fray though as a fresh face in the reserves, while Isaac Lucas also returns from his title-winning hand with the Junior Wallabies at the Oceania under-20 Championship.

JP Smith will start in the front row while Angus Blyth will make his first Super Rugby start at lock, pushing Harry Hoopert and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to the bench.

The Reds (22 points) can jump ahead of the Rebels and Brumbies (24 points) to the top of the Australian conference with a win.

“The Rebels are a tough opposition; they’ve only lost one game at home this year and will be looking for a good performance in front of their fans,” coach Brad Thorn said.

“A big well done to Angus … he’s come through the Queensland under-20s and the NRC for Queensland Country.

“He’s worked hard for this opportunity and we’re proud of him.”

Queensland: JP Smith, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Izack Rodda, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Scott Higginbotham, Tate McDermott, Bryce Hegarty, Sefa Naivalu, Samu Kerevi (c), Chris Feauai-Sautia, Jock Campbell, Hamish Stewart. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert, Ruan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Caleb Timu, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia’aua, Isaac Lucas.