The Reds rate the wobbly Waratahs a far more menacing outfit under Phil Waugh and expect the NSW captain to lead a cavalry of recovered stars back into Super Rugby battle on Saturday night.

Queensland are braced for a typical interstate grudge match at Suncorp Stadium with the inspirational Waugh to transform his side along with the likely returns of centre Tom Carter and No.8 Wycliff Palu from hamstring strains.

The Super Rugby pace-setters are also on guard for a surprise comeback by Waratahs playmaker Berrick Barnes (concussion) which would see Kurtley Beale revert from five-eighth to fullback.

"We'll make the assumption all those key players are playing," Reds coach Ewen McKenzie said Monday.

"If you've got them you get an energy from having those guys back in so we've got to assume it's going to be NSW at their best.

"We've got to make sure we get our preparation right - we didn't get it right last time (in round two), we've got to get it right this time."

The Reds may be on top of the table but have lost their past seven matches against their arch-rivals and skipper James Horwill admitted they were still smarting from their "embarrassing" 30-6 round two thumping.

Waugh sustained a biceps injury in tha match, initially expected to rule him out for most of the season, while playmaker Barnes was also a casualty.

Barnes gained a medical clearance following a CT scan three weeks ago but has stayed on the sidelines for his long-term welfare.

"There's no reason Berrick Barnes can't play and I gather he was at training last week so he can't be far away," McKenzie said.

Waugh's leadership has been sorely missed in the Waratahs' three losses this season, especially at Eden Park on the weekend when the Blues produced a five-try, first-half blitz.

Stand-in skipper Dean Mumm's decision to attempt a penalty goal from out wide when down 31-7 also brought his game smarts into question.

"(Waugh) obviously has a big leadership role for them," Horwill said. "You can see by the way they play, he leads them around the park extremely well.

"If he does play he'll have a big impact and I'm sure he'll lift the rest of the team."

McKenzie agreed his old side, which he and Waugh led to the 2005 and 2008 finals, were a far tougher unit to crack with the former Wallabies ball scavenger at the helm.

"You only have to look at when he's on the field and when he isn't. You can see a difference," he said.

"His leadership has been outstanding and it's made a big difference to them over a long time."

The Reds have tight-head prop James Slipper (sternum-clavicle) in doubt and are also awaiting scan results on winger Rod Davies (ankle) following the bruising 39-30 win over the Bulls.

A Waratahs spokesman said later in Sydney Barnes was unlikely to play as he needed to increase his training load.

But Waugh and Carter were expected to play, provided they trained well, and he was "hopeful" Palu would also be cleared.

Lock Pat O'Connor will definitely not be available, a shoulder injury suffered against the Blues is expected to sideline him for several weeks.

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