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The Reds face the Blues with key playmakers sidelined, but McReight says squad depth is holding firm.

Fraser McReight believes Queensland's depth is being tested in a positive way, despite the continued absence of key playmakers Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh.

The Queensland Reds, sitting fifth with a 5-3 record, face the third-placed Blues in Christchurch on Saturday as part of Super Round at One NZ Stadium.

With Lynagh sidelined by a calf issue and Carter Gordon out with a knee injury, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will start at fly-half, while Ben Volavola joins the bench.

McDermott, recovering from a hamstring injury, has yet to feature this season. Lynagh has managed only a brief second-half appearance, with the club citing leg injuries and illness for his limited involvement.

Both were central figures in the Reds' backline and regular Wallabies contributors last year.

McReight acknowledged the disruption but said the squad had responded strongly, noting the next-man-up approach had delivered performances beyond expectations.

The Reds have previously shown title potential before falling short in quarter-finals, but there is optimism the return of McDermott, Lynagh, Gordon, and prop Massimo De Lutiis could provide a late-season boost.

Coach Les Kiss said McLaughlin-Phillips had adapted well to the team's evolving style, allowing the club to take a measured approach with Lynagh's recovery.

He added the young playmaker was being carefully managed after heavy workloads, including last year's series against the British and Irish Lions.

The Reds' clash with the Blues continues a growing rivalry and coincides with Anzac Day. There is added intrigue, with Blues coach Vern Cotter set to succeed Kiss at Ballymore, while Kiss prepares to take over the Wallabies later this year.

Kiss described the fixture as a significant occasion, noting the tight competition table and the importance of securing results to maintain pressure on rival teams.