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Wallabies hopeful Caleb Timu is back from a club suspension to present as a bench option for Queensland to play against Melbourne this weekend.

Caleb Timu is set to bolster the Queensland Reds pack against Melbourne Rebels on Friday after serving a lengthy club rugby suspension.

A Wallabies bolter last year, Timu had not featured on a Super Rugby team sheet since the fifth round until named on the Reds bench on Wednesday.

The two-Test No.8 was suspended for five games for his involvement in a club rugby fight.

Joining Timu in a return via the bench is utility back Isaac Lucas fresh from his title-winning hand with the Junior Wallabies at the Oceania under-20 Championship.

JP Smith will start in the front row while 21-year-old Angus Blyth will make his first Super Rugby start at lock, pushing Harry Hoopert and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to the bench.

After struggling in recent years, 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 Reds: 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.