Queensland's forgotten back, Caleb Brown, may be thrown straight back into the deep end on Saturday night with a fearsome match-up against NSW winger Lote Tuqiri.

Brown, who hasn't played for the Reds for two seasons, is on stand-by for winger Brando Va'aulu who is in serious doubt for the Super 14 grudge match at Suncorp Stadium with an ankle injury.

Va'aulu strained ligaments in a messy mid-air collision with Brown at training on Wednesday night.

The young speedster, savouring the chance to mark Tuqiri, will be given until Friday night's captain's run to prove his fitness.

"We'll give Brando as much time as we can," said Reds coach Phil Mooney.

"He's a lot better than yesterday but he's still not where we want him to be even though he's heading that way."

A noted try-scorer who crossed for three against NSW in late 2006, Brown's 2007 and 2008 seasons have been ruined by lingering hamstring problems.

Mooney said the 21-year-old would start on the right wing if Va'aulu missed the clash, ruling out the in-form Peter Hynes taking the same assignment he revelled in against Tuqiri in the Reds' 23-7 win in 2004.

"Either way Caleb is going to be marking a handy player," the coach said of Tuqiri and Lachie Turner.

Former Waratah Chris Siale and Andrew Walker are on stand-by for a spot on the bench.

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