Matt McGahan will take over his preferred playmaking role for Queensland’s Super Rugby clash with the Jaguares, with Bryce Hegarty shifting to fullback for the Suncorp Stadium match.

McGahan will partner Tate McDermott in the halves, one of six changes the Reds have made to their starting XV for Saturday’s Indigenous match against the Argentine side.

Reds captain and star performer Samu Kerevi is an inclusion after last week’s Wallabies-enforced rest and will join midfield partner Chris Feauai-Sautia, who returns from a knee injury.

Scott Higginbotham will start at No.8 in his 100th game for Queensland, with Wallaby Izack Rodda rested for the battle against the South African conference leaders, who last week edged the Waratahs.

Backrower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will move to lock to cover for Rodda.

The Reds also have a new-look front row with injured duo Filipo Daugunu (broken arm) and JP Smith (concussion) back, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa will start at hooker.

The bench has been bolstered by lock Harry Hockings’s return from suspension and Hamish Stewart’s recovery from a shoulder injury.

Reds coach Brad Thorn was hopeful the changes could end the side’s three-game losing streak, as well as honour stalwart Higginbotham.

“It’s an incredible achievement to play 100 games for the one state,” Thorn said.

“He joins a great list of players to do so and this will be a special moment for him and his family.”

REDS: Bryce Hegarty, Jock Campbell, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Filipo Daugunu, Matt McGahan, Tate McDermott, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, JP Smith. Res: Alex Mafi, Ruan Smith, Gav Luka, Harry Hockings, Adam Korczyk, Scott Malolua, Duncan Paia’aua, Hamish Stewart.