Rugby: Retallick returns for Chiefs

Brodie Retallick has returned for the trip to the Reds. Photo / Getty Images

The return of Brodie Retallick has boosted the Chiefs ahead of their must-win encounter with the Reds on Saturday night.

Retallick has been named at lock for the match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, recovering from the shoulder injury that saw him miss the last four matches.

The Chiefs have lost three of those fixtures to fall into a scrap for the playoffs, but a win over the lowly Reds will seal their finals fate.

Elsewhere in the forwards, Mitchell Graham and Siate Tokolahi will start in the front row, with Pauliasi Manu consigned to the bench and Ben Tameifuna missing out altogether.

Liam Messam also returns from a shoulder injury to bolster the pack, having missed the Chiefs' heavy defeat against the Highlanders last weekend.

Augustine Pulu retains his spot of halfback and will play his 50th match in Chiefs colours, while Marty McKenzie has again been selected ahead of brother Damian in the No10 jersey.

In the midfield Andrew Horrell will join Charlie Ngatai while Tim Nanai-Williams starts on the left wing, Bryce Heem moves to the right wing and Tom Marshall returns at fullback.

Chiefs team to play the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night:

1. Mitchell Graham
2. Hika Elliot
3. Siate Tokolahi
4. Michael Fitzgerald
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Liam Messam (c)
7. Sam Cane
8. Michael Leitch
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Marty McKenzie
11. Tim Nanai-Williams
12. Andrew Horrell
13. Charlie Ngatai
14. Bryce Heem
15. Tom Marshall

Reserves
16. Quentin MacDonald
17. Pauliasi Manu
18. Jarrod Firth
19. Matt Symons
20. Maama Vaipulu
21. Brad Weber
22. Damian McKenzie
23. Anton Lienert-Brown