Lance named at No.10 for Reds trial

LAST-MINUTE signing Jono Lance looks set to get first crack at the Queensland No.10 jersey vacated by Quade Cooper after being named to start in the Reds’ final trial ahead of their Super Rugby seasonopener.

Two-time Super Rugby championship winner Lance recovered from a broken hand to get the nod over hot favourite Hamish Stewart for the playmaker role in tonight’s Ballymore trial against Fiji Warriors.

It will be their final hitout before their February 23 season-opener against Melbourne Rebels – the team Lance was expected to run out for this year.

The 27-year-old left the now-defunct Western Force and initially signed with the Rebels for 2018.

But he was lured to the Reds on a one-year deal, with new coach Brad Thorn creating a new-look backline after telling star halves Cooper and Nick Frisby they were not in his 2018 plans despite the pair being contracted until the end of 2019.

Another recent signing, former ACT Brumbies flyer Aidan Toua, will slot into fullback for the trials in the absence of Karmichael Hunt.

Hunt is due to face court again on February 19 and is at risk of having his Rugby Australia contract torn up.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been named at hooker ahead of 2016 Wallabies squad member Andrew Ready, who has missed out on selection for the trial altogether.

Thorn has named a near full-strength squad with the likes of injured stars George Smith (back) and Izack Rodda (shoulder) not considered.