Flu-ridden Wallabies lock Hugh McMeniman was hailed as a hero after leading Queensland to a 25-13 Super 14 boilover of the Sharks two days after his father's funeral.

The Reds dedicated the three-tries-to-one victory to the McMeniman family after Hugh's father Geoff passed away last week.

McMeniman was also forced to climb out of his sick bed to take charge of Queensland's wobbling lineout, turning around the set-piece fortunes and also wreaking havoc in general play.

"That performance is dedicated to the McMeniman family - they've obviously had a massive loss so hopefully that gives them a little joy in a sad time," Mooney said.

"Hugh was outstanding. He led from the front, the way he ran the lineout was outstanding and his defence was very good and his ball carries against what is a very physical side was outstanding as well."

The competition's battling entertainers finally closed out a tense win after previous close losses to the Bulls, Stormers and NSW this season.

The Reds breathed life into their season with the much-deserved victory which was only sealed with a 72nd-minute try to dynamic centre Digby Ioane.

"I was a little bit sick to be honest, saying we were close, so tonight was a good reward. Our defence was excellent and our attack was close," said Mooney.

While McMeniman repaired the lineout which was dismantled by the Waratahs and was a constant menace for the Sharks defence, skipper Berrick Barnes led the side brilliantly and rookie prop Ben Daley stood tall in his run-on debut as the dangerous Sharks scrum was nullified.

Replacement halfback Will Genia was also inspirational, scoring a 27th-minute try for an 18-0 lead and also setting up Ioane's match-winner with a smart flick pass from the ruck-base.

But Genia, who came on for the injured Ben Lucas (ribs), may well be in trouble with the match citing commissioner for a dangerous driving tackle on Keegan Daniel.

The Reds led 18-6 at halftime and held the advantage until the 64th minute, gamely holding on with 14 men with fullback Mark McLinden sin-binned, when the Sharks stormed back with an opportunist's try to No.8 Ryan Kankowski.

The off-colour Sharks were unable to threaten again and were also brought down by a poor lineout and poor handling, especially from backline wonderkid Frans Steyn.

As expected, the high-flying Sharks dominated possession and territory early but the Reds defence calmly soaked up the pressure brought upon by two charged down Lucas.

Lucas didn't take long to make amends, though, putting Johny-on-the-spot lock Adam Byrnes over for the opening try after darting to the blind and off-loading following a sweeping backline move sparked by Quade Cooper.

The creative Genia scored the second try after being on the field for less than a minute.

Burly No.8 Leory Houston broke through the tackles of Kankowski and Adri Jacobs and found young winger Blair Connor in support who was brought down by Rory Kockott but popped up the pass for Genia.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP