Brad Thorn will blood another Queensland No.10, while he's been forced to rest Test forwards Taniela Tupou and Izack Rodda for Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Sunwolves in Japan.
Bryce Hegarty (ribs) has been ruled out, with Isaac Lucas moving from fullback to first receiver and initial five-eighth Hamish Stewart returning at No.15 after his demotion to the bench last weekend.
The Tokyo-based Sunwolves (1-3 this season) shocked Queensland 63-28 in the corresponding game last season and will start as favourites against the winless Reds (0-3).
Rugby Australia's World Cup year rest policy means Ruan Smith will partner his twin brother JP in the front row and Angus Scott-Young starts in the back row, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifting to lock.
Alex Mafi will make his first run-on start at hooker for 2019, as Brandon Paenga-Amosa drops to the bench.
It leaves Brad Thorn's side noticeably undermanned as they aim to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Waratahs last Saturday.
"We can't afford another slow start," the coach said.
"The Sunwolves are a side who have improved greatly in the past two years.
"We've got good depth with Ruan and Angus (Scott-Young) able to slot straight in there, as well as having Lukhan's versatility across the second and back row."
Lucas, 20, made his first Super Rugby start against the Waratahs at fullback after impressive cameos off the bench in the side's opening two losses to the Highlanders and Crusaders.
Thorn doesn't expect the latest promotion to intimidate him.
"We've decided to rest Bryce this weekend to let him recover from a niggling rib injury," he said.
"Isaac has played some quality rugby in his three appearances this season.
"He's played at 10 for most of his junior footy, so this is nothing new for him."
Prop Feao Fotuaika has been recalled this weekend, with lock Angus Blyth, five-eighth Teti Tela and outside back Filipo Daugunu all included in the Reds' squad for the first time this season.
Queensland: Hamish Stewart, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi (capt), Duncan Paia'aua, Sefa Naivalu, Isaac Lucas, Moses Sorovi, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Hockings, JP Smith, Alex Mafi, Ruan Smith. Res: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert, Feao Fotuaika, Angus Blyth, Caleb Timu, Tate McDermott, Teti Tela, Filipo Daugunu.
