Queensland coach Les Kiss has lauded the ongoing service of Reds flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the absence of Wallabies playmakers Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh.
McLaughlin-Phillips gets another chance to wear the No.10 jersey on Saturday in Queensland’s “Super Round” battle with the Blues in Christchurch.
Perhaps the third option in the flyhalf role before the start of Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific season behind Gordon and Lynagh, McLaughlin-Phillips has appeared in all eight of the Reds’ games in their 2026 campaign.
He will make his fourth start of the season this weekend, with Gordon (knee) and Lynagh (calf) sidelined.
“He’s been playing very well,” Kiss said of McLaughlin-Phillips.
“He deserves a lot of credit and praise for how he’s held that position and played it well.”
Kiss would not give possible return dates for Gordon and Lynagh, but seemed confident both players would play a part in the Reds’ bid to play finals football in June.
“We’re not sure of the time frame. It’s nothing serious as it seems at this stage,” he said of Gordon’s knee problem.
“It’s cartilage and those things can be tricky. so we’re just going to take it week-by-week and see how it goes.
“He’s in good spirits. It hasn’t been a straight line for him, he’s still around the place adding quality
“It’s only short-term but we’re not going to try to put a name on it or a number on it.”
Kiss said the Reds weren’t going to “rush” Lynagh back if he wasn’t ready.
“Tommy’s still working through a slight little injury there on his calf, so we’re just making sure we just don’t rush it, that’s all,” he said.
“It’s a process, and as we always have done, we’ll look after him and make sure that we get things right.
“That’s the idea of this whole process, to make sure that we get that longevity that he’s after in terms of playing games on games, so we’ll get to that when he plays.”
The Reds will be chasing their sixth win of the season on Anzac Day when they face a Blues side whose coach, Vern Cotter, will take over from Wallabies-bound Kiss as Queensland’s mentor ahead of the 2027 season.
“We haven’t spoken yet, but we may catch up over there (in Christchurch) because we’ll both be at the same event where both teams are together, so no doubt he’ll be there,” Kiss said.
“We’ll catch up there, but I’m pretty sure Vern’s like me – we’re just trying to get the job done in front of us.”
Queensland’s New Zealand-born veteran prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is set to make his 150th Super Rugby appearance on Saturday.
“To reach 150 games is a terrific milestone in a competition as tough as Super Rugby,” Kiss said.
“Jeffery’s generosity with his advice and mentoring of our young props and hookers has been a feature of the past three seasons.
“His impact on the field has shown the quality of his play and his experience. He’s the sort of guy every team wants in their locker room.”
Queensland Reds: Aidan Ross. Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard.
