THE injury-hit Queensland Reds have turned to 18-year-old Jordan Petaia, the youngest player in Super Rugby, to answer their backline SOS against the Melbourne Rebels.

Petaia has impressed on the wing in his nine-game blooding this season but being tested in the defensive hot seat of outside centre on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium is a far greater test.

He was playing outside centre in the First XV at Brisbane State High less than 12 months ago and had time there during an internal Reds trials so the position’s demands are not foreign to him.

media_camera Rising star Jordan Petaia has been shifted into the Reds midfield. Picture: Getty Images

The Reds had to get cute with selections once it was discovered Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi had a ruptured biceps and was headed to surgery earlier this week.

That news heaped on top of already having outside centre options Chris Feauai-Sautia and Izaia Perese on the sidelines with knee injuries.

Test lock Izack Rodda is back from a shoulder issue to start for the pack instead of young Harry Hockings.

New Wallaby Caleb Timu was only on the bench against the Blues last Friday because he’d been dealing with an ankle issue.

media_camera Test lock Izack Rodda returns from injury. Picture: AAP

Once he made one of the few runs of authority from a poor Reds side in the lead-up to the Duncan Paia’aua try, he was certain of a promotion.

He comes in at No.6, which bumps Lukhan Tui to the bench in a tight call.

With a wing spot vacant, Filipo Daugunu returns to the starting line-up and hopefully with more sticking power when making tackles.

In the reserves, Souths utility back Teti Tela is in line to make his Super Rugby debut. It is worthy reward because no player has performed better outside Quade Cooper at the Magpies this season after his show of versatility for Queensland Country last season.

“It is good to have Izack back. We’ve got a lot of depth in the forward pack which makes it pretty difficult come selection time,” Thorn said.

media_camera Queensland Reds player Caleb Timu smiles during a team training session at Ballymore in Brisbane Monday, July 2, 2018. (AAP Image/Jono Searle) NO ARCHIVING

“We’ve also brought Caleb Timu back into the starting side as we feel he offers a lot to our attack on the edges. It’s unfortunate for Lukhan Tui but he has a big role to play with his impact off the bench, given he can play in the loose forwards or middle row.

“It’s really disappointing to lose Samu Kerevi to injury after the great form he’s been in all year.

“We’ve had bit of an injury toll in that position but, in saying that, it’s an opportunity for Jordan Petaia.

“He has done a fantastic job in his first year of Super Rugby as an 18-year-old. He hasn’t been overawed with it and forced his way into the starting side. Centre is his natural position so we’re looking forward to seeing how he goes with this opportunity.”

Wallaby winger Marika Koroibete and prop Tetera Faulkner will make their returns from injury for the Rebels on Friday night.

Koroibete has shaken off the back spasm that forced him out on game day against the NSW Waratahs last Friday.

media_camera Trap attack! Marika Koroibete returns from injury. Picture: AAP

Prop Jermaine Ainsley while high-energy flanker Richard Hardwick will make his return from a knee injury from the bench.

Flanker Colby Faingaa will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance, including his 35 when at the Brumbies.

“We’re pleased that Marika’s back in mix. Sefa (Naivalu) played really well last week and will play a big role again off the bench on Friday,” Rebels coach Dave Wessels said.

“Playing 100 matches at any level is fantastic achievement but to do it in the most challenging provincial rugby tournament in the world is a testament to quality of character and player of Colby.”

Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels

7:45pm, Friday, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Queensland Reds Number Name No.1 JP Smith No.2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa No.3 Taniela Tupou No.4 Izack Rodda No.5 Kane Douglas No.6 Caleb Timu No.7 George Smith No.8 Scott Higginbotham (c) No.9 Moses Sorovi No.10 Hamish Stewart No.11 Eto Nabuli No.12 Duncan Paia’aua No.13 Jordan Petaia No.14 Filipo Daugunu No.15 Jono Lance Reserves No.16 Alex Mafi No.17 Harry Hoopert No.18 Ruan Smith No.19 Lukhan Tui No.20 Angus Scott-Young No.21 Tate McDermott No.22 Teti Tela No.23 Aidan Toua

*The 7.45pm match will also be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

Originally published as Reds put teen in the hot seat for Rebels clash