The Queensland Reds will play their opening 2009 rugby trial match against a NSW Waratahs XV at Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, on January 24.

The Reds will back up with trials against the Blues at Auckland on January 30 and the Western Force at Ballymore on February 5.

Queensland's last game in Toowoomba was a mid-week pre-season match against Wellington in February, 1997.

"This will be a great trial for us, as Queensland versus NSW is always pretty competitive," said Reds coach Phil Mooney.

"Although neither side will have their Wallabies available for this match, this will give their replacements a chance to press their case for squad selection during the season."

The Reds open their 2009 Super 14 campaign with a two-match tour of South Africa.

Their first home game will be against the Cheetahs on March 1 at Suncorp Stadium.

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