The damage from another loss won't be restricted to the Super 14 points table for the Queensland Reds.

With five games left, the Reds - second-last with a 2-6 record - are determined to turn around their hot and cold season, starting against fellow battlers the Lions at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

But much more than pride will be on the line - the Reds don't have to be told more wins will bring more to the bargaining table in talks with key targets.

Reds dangerman Digby Ioane is keen to extend his contract at the end of the season.

And after confirmation All Blacks flanker Daniel Braid won't be exercising the second year of his Reds deal, Queensland have identified Western Force's Wallabies No.8 Richard Brown as their No.1 target.

However, a lowly Super 14 season finish won't exactly add to Queensland's pitch to the star pair.

Of course that is not lost on Reds coach Phil Mooney.

Asked how important a win was this weekend, he said: "It's massively important.

"If we want a bit of clout (in contract negotiations), we have to start winning.

"We've got five games to go. We've set ourselves goals for our (remaining) home and away games this season.

"Finishing positively is very important to us."

Easier said than done with what Mooney described as a "young team still trying to find itself".

Mooney would be forgiven for tearing his hair out in a season in which the Reds spectacularly ended the Sharks' unbeaten run last month, only to back it up with woeful performances.

Last round, they produced their most promising display since the Sharks upset, only to fall short 24-19 to the Highlanders in chilly Invercargill.

"We are just a little impetuous, I guess," Mooney said.

"But we are working hard on (rectifying) that.

"We are at the stage where we want to score every time we have the football - and that can't always be the case.

"We've got to be more game aware.

"Once we get that awareness, that's when we are going to cause some massive headaches for people."

But Mooney is probably nursing a migraine of his own trying to figure out his side.

"While I am a part of coming up with the answers they have to develop that self awareness and they are a big part of coming up with the answers," he said.

"(But) I feel confident that the boys are still working very hard and a complete performance isn't too far off."

Mooney took a lot of heart from last round's display by Wallabies prop Greg Holmes, who had missed the previous three games, and powerful No.8 Ezra Taylor.

He is also counting on a memorable return from halfback Will Genia after completing a three-match ban.

Despite their erratic form, a victory over the Lions will give the Reds a clean sweep of South African teams in Brisbane in 2009.

Meanwhile, the Lions (2-6 record, third last) have confirmed they will be without Springboks centre and the team's leading try scorer Gauge Fourie (eye).

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