Simmons to play No.6 in Suncorp farewell

Departing Queensland Reds stalwart Rob Simmons has been handed a Suncorp Stadium farewell, only it's not in the position he is accustomed to.

Rob Simmons

Rob Simmons will leave the Queensland Reds at the end of the Super Rugby campaign. (AAP)

Rob Simmons will make his final appearance as a Queensland Reds player at Suncorp Stadium in the unfamiliar position of blindside flanker.

Simmons has been promoted to the Reds' starting side as one of a host of changes for Friday's Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies.

With the second-row pairing of Kane Douglas and Izack Rodda to remain untouched, the 71-Test Wallabies forward Simmons will have to be content with wearing the No.6 jersey.

Simmons reckons he's only played in that position three times before, most recently as a mid-game change for the Reds after an injury to a back-row teammate, but he did start there in a Test match against Italy in 2013.

Versatility may well help Simmons find a new home after the Reds announced last month they would not re-sign the 28-year-old, bringing to an end a 10-season association.

Simmons said he has nibbles of interest from "everywhere, basically" as he bids to win back his Wallabies place.

"I'm not giving up, basically," Simmons said on Wednesday.

"I'm still quite motivated to get back into that gold jersey.

"It's a bit like all sport, a few wins can solve everything.

"A few good games is a bit the same for a player."

Simmons will be part of a new-look loose forwards unit for the Reds, with Japanese international Hendrik Tui and Wallabies veteran Scott Higginbotham both ruled out due to injury.

Youngster Adam Korczyk will play at No.8, although openside George Smith is likely to move into that position at scrum time.

Stephen Moore returns as starting hooker and will captain the Reds in his 176th Super Rugby appearance, which sees him overtake former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu as the second-most capped player in the competition's history.

Samu Kerevi (ankle) has been ruled out and will be replaced by Campbell Magnay at outside centre, while Izaia Perese has been named on the wing after returning from Australian under-20s duty.

Queensland Reds: Karmichael Hunt, Izaia Perese, Campbell Magnay, Duncan Paia'aua, Eto Nabuli, Quade Cooper, James Tuttle, Adam Korczyk, George Smith, Rob Simmons, Izack Rodda, Kane Douglas, Taniela Tupou, Stephen Moore (captain), Sef Fa'agase. Reserves: Alex Mafi, Markus Vanzati, Sam Talakai, Cadeyrn Neville, Caleb Timu, Moses Sorovi, Hamish Steward, Chris Kuridrani.


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Source: AAP



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