Stephen Moore will be staying at home as the Reds head to Samoa for an historic clash with the Blues in Apia this week.
Moore is being rested by Queensland after a heavy load this season, coach Nick Stiles said, as the side prepares for the first Super Rugby clash to be played in Samoa.
It's not the first time the captain has been rested this season, left out of the side to face the Kings at Suncorp Stadium in round eight.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika confirmed Moore would be his Wallabies captain in June, meaning the 33-year-old's workload is far from easing off as the year goes on.
Stiles said Moore's absence was a planned one, a stance he has maintained this season.
“When we signed Stephen for three years, we knew we’d have to manage his workload to ensure his longevity," he said.
"He’s an experienced player in an attritional position and we always planned for moments like this in the season where we’d provide him the opportunity to freshen up,” he said.
“Thankfully we’ve got some genuine depth and competition for the no. 2 jersey and while we’re leaving Stephen at home, it provides further opportunity for Alex Mafi and Andrew Ready.
"We’ve been really pleased with the way Alex has stepped up into a more senior role this season and Andrew’s been working hard in the background for a number of weeks. We’re looking forward to seeing him return to the strong form he demonstrated last season.”
Reds winger Eto Nabuli is set to front the SANZAAR judiciary this week after his third yellow card for the season.
The Reds have eight players of Samoan heritage on the tour - Sef Fa’agase, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Karmichael Hunt, Duncan Paia’aua, Caleb Timu, Hendrik Tui, Lukhan Tui and Apia-born Henry Taefu,
SQUAD
Reds to tour Samoa
Props
Sef Fa’agase
Kirwan Sanday
Sam Talakai
Taniela Tupou
Hookers
Alex Mafi
Andrew Ready
Locks
Kane Douglas
Izack Rodda
Rob Simmons
Lukhan Tui
Loose forwards
Michael Gunn
Scott Higginbotham
Adam Korczyk
George Smith
Caleb Timu
Hendrik Tui
Scrumhalves
Nick Frisby
Moses Sorovi
James Tuttle
Flyhalves
Quade Cooper
Jake McIntyre
Centres
Samu Kerevi
Duncan Paia’aua
Henry Taefu
Outside backs
Chris Feauai-Sautia
Karmichael Hunt
Chris Kuridrani
Lachlan Maranta
Eto Nabuli