The Queensland Reds are not satisfied with their performance after a tight win over the Rebels as they prepare for a grudge match against the Waratahs.

The Reds pushed through wet and wild conditions at Suncorp Stadium to record a 23-5 win over the Melbourne-based side to kick off their season.

Whilst their defence held strong, co-captain Tate McDermott was less than impressed, conceding they need to 'take the easy option' in attack if they wish to match it with the best of the competition.

“We’re not content with that. There’s areas like our defence which was positive but there’s so many other things we can work on and we know that as a group,” co-captain Tate McDermott said after the game.

“We’ll address that on Monday ahead of a very important game (against the Waratahs).

“We can do a lot better in being composed. We’re trying to beat teams with pace but there are times when we need to take a break and take that easy option.

“There were some positives, particularly around our breakdown with our urgency there…glad to take the win but we have to move on and work on our game going forward,” coach Brad Thorn added.

They turn their attention to the NSW Waratahs, who were the surprise competition leaders by the end of the round after a dominant showing against the Fijian Drua.

Having lost to the Waratahs just a fortnight ago in a trial match, lock Angus Blyth believes there is plenty of motivation to perform, especially given the natural rivalry between the two sides.

"Everyone has that Queensland pride, that Queensland spirit and we don’t want to let Queensland down,” he said to reporters on Monday.

“We represent the whole state, from the Gold Coast all the way up to the top end, so we’re representing the people of Queensland and that gives us pride and gives us a fire in the belly and a real reason to go out there and smash some people on Friday night.”

The Super Rugby AU champions are hopeful Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami (knee) and co-captain Liam Wright (shoulder) will be cleared to play ahead of Friday's clash at Leichhardt Oval.

"There’s no damage there, so we’ll just see how he goes this week and hopefully he can play (on Friday night),” Blyth added on Wright.