Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn believes the side have put the tough week behind them as they make the trip west to face the Western Force

The Reds have had a disrupted build-up to the game, with floods across Brisbane leaving Ballymore underwater.

This saw him forced into local schools to prepare for the big match-up on Friday, which will mark the Force's return to Western Australia.

However, Thorn was refusing to accept that as an excuse as they look to continue their unbeaten start.

“It’s been a bit of deja vu for some people who were around (in 2011),” Thorn told reporters.

“Everyone’s been helping everyone around with the flooding around the city. The players have adapted and we’ve gotten on with it. We’re very thankful to Terrace for using the school there and Brothers for our main training session.

“We’ve just got on with our work and we just need to be ready for a good, hard challenge against the Force in Perth for their first home game.

“They’ve been improving and finished quite well last year. They started the trials and season in really good shape…this will be another tough one after the Waratahs last week and this will be no different. We’ll have to bring our best efforts to compete for that win.”

The Reds enter the contest battered and bruised with Tate McDermott, Angus Scott-Young and Alex Mafi amongst the casualties from a tight win over the Waratahs.

In their absence, lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto steps up as captain, which has almost become a poison chalice of sorts after Liam Wright missed the start of the year.

Salakaia-Loto has extra motivation to perform in 2022 after signing a deal overseas, with the Reds keen to send him out on a high.

“He’s really determined to go out playing some of the best footy, putting every effort in,” he added.

“He’s really respected around the group. He has that real presence and we think he’s been leading for years now and he was right for the role.

“It was cool because when I told him, he was very pleased to have that role and I know he’ll be putting out there and doing the same things as usual."

The Reds received a boost with centre Hunter Paisami cleared to return after overcoming a knee injury.

“He’s a Wallaby and was in great form coming into the end of last season,” Thorn said on Paisami.

“He’s been managed into the season and we’ve got him back so he’ll add some punch. He’s raring to get out there and is valued by the team.”