Much more than competition points will be on the line in Queensland's Super 14 away clash with the Highlanders on Saturday night.

"This is a test of character now," Reds coach Phil Mooney said on Monday.

Queensland have endured a horror fortnight in which they have suffered hidings from the Chiefs and the Western Force, conceding a total of 11 tries.

They missed 36 tackles alone in the last round 39-7 loss to the Force at Perth.

And the history books reveal even more ugly reading for Mooney.

The Reds will attempt to break a 19-match drought on the road against the Highlanders at Invercargill.

No wonder cynics are predicting more carnage when the second-last Reds (2-5 record) line up against big improvers the Highlanders (7th; 3-4).

Certainly Mooney didn't mince words about their looming assignment.

"(It's) a massive challenge for us," he said.

"But one thing I do know about this group is that there is plenty of character in it and this weekend is an opportunity to show that."

Desperate for good news, Mooney finally received some on the injury front.

The return of prop Greg Holmes (shoulder), and wingers Peter Hynes (knee) and Brando Va'aulu (hamstring) will bolster the maligned Reds.

And Mooney refused to rule out veteran hooker Sean Hardman (knee).

"I know from talking to the physio there has been some pretty good improvement there, so he's certainly not out of the mix," Mooney said.

His player list is getting better - but Mooney also wanted another key area to improve.

"It's time now where everyone really needs to assess their approach," he said.

"The difference between when we've had a good performance and a bad one is preparation - collectively and individually.

"The important thing now is we recover well from the travel back from Perth and we plan well."

Mooney tried not to dwell on the recent loss at Perth but still sounded like a frustrated man on Monday.

"The disappointing thing was we created opportunities but we didn't take them," Mooney said.

"But the worrying thing was how easy it was for them to score their points.

"There needs to be a shift in attitude and effort there."

At least Mooney knows that the Reds are capable of turning it around.

Queensland caused arguably the boilover of the season by upsetting the previously unbeaten Sharks 26-12 a month ago.

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