Wallabies halfback Will Genia will hit the ground running in his long-awaited Super Rugby comeback from a knee reconstruction on Saturday night.
Queensland confirmed Genia would not only take up the captaincy reins but also start against Western Force in their Suncorp Stadium clash.
Genia said he was returning a week earlier than first planned but would only play the first half against the Force.
"Hopefully from then on I will be playing the full 80," he said in Brisbane on Tuesday.
A six-month stint on the sidelines is finally over for Genia who damaged his knee playing for the Wallabies in Perth last September.
But Genia could find some positives about his long layoff.
"I know I have done the hard work in getting my body right. It has actually been fortunate in a way because it has allowed me to have a full pre-season," he said.
"I am refreshed after being out of the game for so long. I am happy about my fitness and my head space."
Nick Frisby is expected to take over the No.9 jersey in the second half after his impressive hand in the Reds' 23-13 last round win over Melbourne Rebels that boosted their record to 3-1.
Meanwhile, James Horwill's comeback finally has a clear date. He will be considered for Saturday week's clash at Suncorp Stadium against the burly pack of South Africa's Bulls, now that he is running consistently again on his suspect ankle.
"We've had a few false dawns already, but it will be timely if James plays against a pack as big as the Bulls always field," Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie said on Monday.
"He ran last week and he's running this week. It's that regular volume we need to see before he can be considered."
Horwill twisted his ankle at training on February 5. What was considered a minor hiccup will have stretched to beyond a six-week injury when he finally makes his comeback.
The conservative approach is wise because of the accumulated damage to his legs over the years from ankle, knee and hamstring injuries. He has been out of the game for more than nine months.
If he is fully fit, he is the ideal figure to take the helm as Wallabies skipper against the British and Irish Lions.