Reds set to recall Karmichael Hunt and Liam Gill

Queensland Super Rugby franchise the Reds look set to call Karmichael Hunt and Liam Gill for this week’s clash against the Rebels on Friday.

Hunt and Gill have both served their suspensions and are available for selection but given Hunt’s lack of game time in Rugby Union he may come off the bench.

Gill has served a two week ban for a dangerous tackle in the Reds loss to the Brumbies and Hunt’s Reds imposed suspension for cocaine possession has finished. .

There is also good news for the Reds in that Rob Simmons is likely to join the squad on their upcoming tour of South Africa as he has nearly recovered from a shoulder nerve injury.

“That’s going to be a big addition, especially in the forward pack,” captain James Slipper said told AAP about Simmons’ impending return.

“And having Karmichael and Gilly – (they) are two players that are really influential in the group.

“We understand it’s going to be tough down in Melbourne but to have them in the team will be good.”

The Reds have played 6 matches so far this season and they have one win to show for their efforts and they are at the bottom of the Australian conference.

Worryingly for a team that wants to entertain it’s fans the Reds have scored the lowest number of tries for any Super Rugby team this season.

The Reds were beaten at home by the Lions last week and have to beat the Rebels this week if they are to have any hope of a late challenge in the second half of the season.

Reds captain James Slipper is confident that his team can still turn their fortunes around this season.

“With the players we do have here, it’s a very good squad,” he said.

“Not only strong but it’s very deep,” said Slipper.

“That’s what makes this squad very competitive.”

“Unfortunately at the moment we haven’t had the best luck and we’ve started the season pretty slowly.

“In saying that, we took steps forward in the last game … it really did feel like the first run (of the season) for most of us with different players, different combinations.”