Season-ending blow for Reds could force Wallabies rethink

Kiss said talk of contracts were being had with Rugby Australia “but we certainly would like to ensure he stays around”.

“I don’t think it complicates it in my head, most players have an operation at some time.

“He’s a good rugby player, he’ll miss this period, and hopefully, he’ll be right by the end of this season to do some more things there. Once they do this next level of looking at the operation, we’ll know a timeline for him.”

Petaia’s absence has been offset by news outside centre Josh Flook was firming for a comeback from shoulder concerns, while flanker Fraser McReight had his three-match suspension downgraded by a match after undergoing a coaching intervention program.

Key prop Alex Hodgman also looks destined to line up against his former Blues teammates, reportedly moving freely despite leaving the field early in the second half at the weekend with a knee niggle.

Breaking a winless streak stretching three games was paramount for the Reds as they faced arguably the juggernauts of the Super Rugby Pacific.

Queensland has triumphed over two New Zealand outfits for the first time in a season since 2013, and No.8 Harry Wilson was adamant their best football would come to the fore against their Trans Tasman rivals – as he prepares for a head-to-head clash with All Blacks star Hoskins Sotutu.

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“It’s a really good challenge, he’s probably been the best player in Super Rugby this year – after watching him, he’s been pretty dominant in every single game he’s played,” Wilson said, after his opposite number scored twice, laid on a try assist and ran for 54m in the Blues’ 46-7 win over the Brumbies.

“They’re the sort of battles you relish, and if I can try do a job on him and everyone else does a job on their opposition number it’s only going to be good for us.

“For us, where we are in our season, we know how big of a clash this is. We definitely have played our best footy against the Kiwi sides, it’s always a big game against any New Zealand team, and it’s a game everyone wants to step up for.”