The determined Queensland Reds will be treating Saturday's clash against the ACT Brumbies like a grand final when the teams meet at Suncorp Stadium.

A 0-2 start has made it imperative that the proud Queenslanders play to their potential to kickstart a surge for the finals in Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s.

“With such a short season, you play each game like a grand final and that’s the mentality we’ll take into Saturday,” Reds head coach Grant Anderson said.

“The girls are really up for it. We went to work really hard on improving some key areas on Monday at training.

“We recognize that the Brumbies will challenge us up front with their good forward pack. I know if we play to our potential we can come away with a win.”

The clubs played a 23-20 thriller in last year’s Super W semi-finals in Sydney where the Reds came out on top.

The Reds have made changes in the pack with lock Aleena Greenhalgh (ankle) and reserve prop Isah Soloai (ankle) both out injured. American prop Charli Jacoby is also missing this week after being called up to play for the USA Eagles against South Africa in England this weekend.

Maletina Brown comes in to start at prop while versatile Lucy Thorpe shifts from the backrow to lock. Haidee Head will start at No.8.

On the bench, Janita Kareta makes a timely return from a calf issue. The experienced former Melbourne Rebels prop is in line to make her debut for the Reds.

On the bench, backrower Grace Baker’s patient wait to make her Reds debut should arrive this week. Redhead Nat Wright will offer back-up at halfback with her addition to the bench.

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