Halfback Will Genia has been rushed back into the Queensland starting side for Saturday's Super 14 clash against the Lions at Suncorp Stadium.

Genia has been slotted straight back into the side after serving a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle against the Sharks on March 14.

Reds coach Phil Mooney has also reshuffled his forward pack, promoting reserve lock Adam Byrnes to the starting side while Wallaby Hugh McMeniman will revert to blindside flanker, forcing Scott Higginbotham back to the bench.

Genia's return provides some relief for Mooney.

The Queensland mentor was forced to throw Reds Academy halfback Brendan McKibbin into the deep end against the Highlanders last round after Lucas withdrew with a nagging rib cartilage injury.

McKibbin was solid in the Reds' gut-wrenching 24-19 loss to the New Zealand outfit.

Lucas has been named on the bench for the Lions clash.

Reds: Mark McLinden, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Brando Va'aulu, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ezra Taylor, Daniel Braid, Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill (capt), Adam Byrnes, Laurie Weeks, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Jack Kennedy, Leroy Houston, Scott Higginbotham, Ben Lucas, Charlie Fetoai, Luke Morahan.

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