Queensland are set to prepare for life after record-breaking hooker Sean Hardman in next week's match against Japan at Ballymore.

Reds coach Phil Mooney will give Hardman's young understudies Saia Faingaa and James Hanson half a game each when they meet the Cherry Blossoms on June 10.

The 32-year-old former Wallabies rake, who is about to become a father for the first time, is currently deciding whether to have one last Super 14 fling after playing a record 137 matches for his state.

While the Reds struggled to a disappointing 13th this season, Hardman continued to stand up week after week and perform strongly in spite of injuries.

That back-up Faingaa was never given a chance to start showed how important the 2007 World Cup tourist was for the young Queensland squad.

Canberra product Faingaa will certainly be challenged by former Australian under-21 rake Hanson for the No.2 jersey if Hardman retires.

Coach Phil Mooney has left the decision in the stalwart's hands but is crossing his fingers he'll show faith in his battered body to re-sign in the coming weeks.

"Hardy's a pretty astute guy and he'll use his brain wisely," Mooney said. "We'd love to have him."

Mooney named nine uncontracted players in an extended 27-man squad for the clash, which is a perfect chance to trial players for the future.

While he was forced to call up eight Academy and club players to his backline, Mooney's pack will contain the forwards which finished the Super 14, less skipper and Wallabies lock James Horwill.

"We've got an exciting blend of contracted players and club players," Mooney said.

"Most of the uncontracted blokes we've called in are in the backs so there's an expectation on the forwards to deliver an authoritative performance."

The match will be Japan's final hit-out before the Pacific Nations Cup.

"You don't often get the opportunity to play against an international team and it is a great honour for us," Mooney said.

Queensland:

Backs: Blair Connor, Anthony Faingaa, Charlie Fetoai, Curtis Franks, Jono Lance, Keiran Lander, Ben Lucas, Mark McLinden, Dallan Murphy, Ken Robertson, Anthony Sauer, Dom Shipperley, Brando Va'aulu, Albert Vulivuli.

Forwards: Adam Byrnes, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, James Hanson, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Leroy Houston, Van Humphries, Jack Kennedy, Tasi Luafutu, Ezra Taylor, Liam Shaw, Laurie Weeks.

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