Hunt handed Reds debut

Karmichael Hunt has been included in the Reds squad for the warm-up match against the Rebels in Cairns on Saturday.

Hunt is expected to start at fullback for the Reds in his first rugby union match since scoring a try for Biarritz Olympique in the 2010 Heineken Cup final.

However, the Reds will be without their other big-name signing, as James O'Connor is set to miss the game with a knee injury.

Rugby League convert, 20-year-old Brisbane Broncos recruit Duncan Paia'aua, will get the first opportunity to step into the flyhalf position made vacant by Quade Cooper, who had surgery on his fractured collarbone on Tuesday.

Reds Squad:

Forwards – Curtis Browning, Sef Faagase, Saia Fainga’a, Lolo Fakaosilea, Liam Gill, Michael Gunn, James Hanson, James Horwill, Adam Korczyk, Marco Kotze, Pettowa Paraka, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Slipper (c), Sam Talakai.

Backs – Tom Banks, Anthony Fainga’a, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Nick Frisby, Scott Gale, Will Genia, Karmichael Hunt, Sam Johnson, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani, Campbell Magnay, Duncan Paia’aua, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

Pre-season teams (Week 2)

Pre-season fixtures

Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images