Julian Huxley has been retained at five-eighth by the Queensland Reds as they travel to Christchurch to face defending Super 12 champions the Crusaders on Saturday.

Regular pivot Elton Flatley has been cleared of a knee injury but was named at inside centre instead of his regular position in the halves, pending another fitness test in New Zealand.

Flatley missed the opening round 22-19 loss to the ACT Brumbies after injuring his knee at training late last week.

An MRI scan showed damage to the back of his kneecap which could have required surgery.

"My knee is still a little swollen but it's looking good at this stage," Flatley said.

"It has really settled down and should be more than OK by the end of the week.

"I'm confident I'll be fit to play which will be great because I'm a terrible spectator."

Former Brumbies utility Huxley made his Super 12 debut for the Reds on Saturday night and contributed 14 points but missed two late penalty attempts which could have changed the result.

Some of his kicks in general play also caused concern but his defence and other aspects of his game were sound.

Huxley's retention and the positional move by Flatley is largely due to the absence of rookie centre Gene Fairbanks.

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