James O’Connor is set to wear the No.10 shirt for Queensland against Wales in a timely audition for the out-of-contract veteran.
The 34-year-old, who made his Test debut at the age of 18, has only made three substitute appearances during the Super Rugby Pacific season due to injury.
His mentoring of recent Test signings Tom Linach and Lawson Creighton has been well-received by new Reds coach Les Keys, who will be looking to give the playmaker some real game time at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
O’Connor, who made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2008, is hoping to continue playing in 2025, when he will face the touring British and Irish Lions for a second time.
Six-Tester Matt Given, who joined the Melbourne Levels on Tuesday after they were shut down, and 2021 Tokyo Rugby Sevens Olympic hopeful Lachi Anderson are also set to get straight into action at their new clubs.
Lock Josh Canham, who arrived at Ballymore from Melbourne last month, is also expected to be named in the Reds squad on Wednesday.
Wales have extended their relegation period after losing twice to the Wallabies in recent weeks and a crowd of more than 20,000 is expected at Suncorp Stadium, the Reds’ biggest attendance in four years.
“This is like a full circle moment for me,” said Gibbon, a former Nudgee student and Queensland student representative.
“Of course, this has been a very tumultuous year for everyone involved with the Rebels, so it feels great to have the future secured for our young family.
“Les Kiss made me feel like he was the guy I wanted to be with from the moment we first spoke after I started kicking rocks for a month.”
Meanwhile, Wallabies one-cap standout Harry Johnson-Holmes is set to move from NSW Waratahs to the Western Force.
“After seven years with Waratahs, I felt it was time for a change of scenery,” he said.
“I was impressed with the direction the Force was taking things.
“I worked with Cronny (Force coach Simon Cron) at Australia U20 and also when I made my debut for the Waratahs (as assistant coach) and I always regarded him as a great brain.”
Wallabies forwards Taniela Tupou and Lucan Salakaia-Lotto (both former Reds players who have moved to the Rebels) are yet to find new owners following the collapse of the Melbourne club, while Test prop Sam Talakai remains one of the more sought-after props.
