Tate McDermott says three key Queensland Reds additions would be "game-changers" for their Super Round clash with the Western Force.
The captain admitted his side was "annihilated" around the collision areas in the 47-13 loss to the Hurricanes in a deflating season opener in Townsville.
But with five-eighth James O'Connor, winger Suliasi Vunivalu and fullback Jock Campbell all training strongly and eyeing injury returns on Sunday in Melbourne, the halfback is optimistic.
"That'd be massive; we've been missing guys like that around the fold so to have them back potentially, is an absolute game-changer for us," McDermott said.
Ironically it was No.10 Tom Lynagh and fullback Jordan Petaia who were among the Reds' best in Townsville, while their depth at wing is also healthy.
But McDermott said the returning trio could help address general discipline issues, both while holding the ball and defending the line, which again hurt after a 0-6 record against New Zealand opponents last season.
"We looked to turn a page in that sense but unfortunately it was pretty disappointing," McDermott said.
"We've a huge chance this week against the Force, but we've got to see some serious shifts.
"We got annihilated around the collision area ... (there's) quite a few work-ons for us but a couple of tinkers here and there and we're such a different side."
