The Reds lost Petaia to the NFL’s International Player Pathways, Mac Grealy to the Western Force, Suliasi Vunivalu to La Rochelle and Floyd Aubrey to rugby league – leaving Tim Ryan as the only flyer left standing among the incumbents.
But Kiss would not rule out using Daugunu’s hulking frame in the centres.
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“I think the real strength of a lot of our players is they can play at least two positions. It’s no different for Filipo, his influence will be great whether he’s at 13 or 12, and I know on the wing he can be very damaging,” Kiss said.
“We’ll make sure he can play to his strengths – he’s good over the ball, if he’s in the 13 channel he can put some damage on. He’ll give us strengths when we need it, and I know he’s willing to put the Reds jersey on, whatever position.”
Kiss also confirmed Queensland co-captain Liam Wright was progressing on his comeback trail, after undergoing shoulder surgery following his return to the Wallabies’ fold.
The 27-year-old has endured an injury-plagued career, but his most consistent season since earning a 2019 Test debut earned him the nation’s captaincy against Wales.
Wallabies captain Liam Wright.Credit: Getty Images
While Wright’s latest setback mystified doctors, Kiss revealed the flanker was in line to feature in the Reds’ clashes against Bristol and Ulster in January.
“We’re very optimistic about the start so we feel it can accelerate. In terms of a comeback, we’re still looking at the beginning of the season,” Kiss said.
“We won’t rush it, but we’ll use his wisdom because he’s been through it a bit, and he’ll know when he’s ready.
“If he’s ready to play [in England] we’ll probably look at it, but if not, he may come there as a leader. We’ll make those decisions closer to that time.”