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Wallabies backrower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will come off the bench for the Queensland Reds' clash with the Sharks on Saturday night.
Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn is backing the depth in his squad to deliver back-to-back wins after recalling Angus Scott-Young to start against the Sharks and naming Wallabies flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on the bench.
Scott-Young wasn't part of the Reds' squad that destroyed the Sunwolves last weekend, but will combine with lock Harry Hockings and Izack Rodda before Salakaia-Loto is unleashed late at Suncorp Stadium.
Winger Filipo Daugunu has completed a five-match suspension for a dangerous tackle and will replace Bryce Hegarty on the bench.
The Sharks (3-1) have presented as one of Super Rugby's most impressive outfits this season with their speed on the flanks proving too much for the Melbourne Rebels in Ballarat last weekend.
A trip to New Zealand to face defending champions the Crusaders next weekend ensures a testing fortnight for the Reds (1-3) after their record-breaking 64-5 win last Saturday.
Thorn has challenged his side to back up that 10-try performance and, after stressing last week that Scott-Young had been rested rather than dropped, is confident his selection tactics will pay off.
"If you are to get to the business end (Super Rugby finals) and be in good shape it's good to have that depth to manage games," he said.
"I've always thought in (rugby) league and union, you can tell a great team by its bench.
"I've been in Crusaders teams when we've had All Blacks sitting on the bench."
Thorn has engineered similar on Saturday, with 21-Test backrower Salakaia-Loto a far cry from the bench talent Thorn had at his disposal two seasons ago.
"If you remember that first year (2018 season) ... it was like we were trying to scratch up players to play.
"'Put the seatbelt on', I think I remember saying to you guys (the media).
"In the second year we got some consistency but fell short and this year with these layers of age groups, Fraser (McReight), Harry (Wilson) and there's more guys coming next year.
"If you believe in it ... you'll get good pay over time."
QUEENSLAND: Jock Campbell, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Hunter Paisami, Hamish Stewart, Henry Speight, James O'Connor, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, JP Smith. Reserves: Ed Craig, Harry Hoopert, Josh Nasser, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Fraser McReight, Scott Malolua, Isaac Lucas, Filipo Daugunu.
