Jordan Petaia

Petaia was dazed after a tackle gone wrong in last week’s qualifying final defeat of Melbourne Rebels, ending a night that had already included an intercept try and near-miss.

But he has cleared all concussion protocols to face the Brumbies on Saturday night, who welcome their own young gun Noah Lolesio back from injury to steer the ship at No.10.

Petaia will loom large on the flank as the Reds attempt to snap a six-year losing streak in Canberra, while prop JP Smith will start ahead of Harry Hoopert.

One of Australian rugby's brightest stars is set to go through more agonising rehabilitation after an injury at training last week in Buenos Aires that the Reds say will keep him out of action for roughly 20 weeks.

Petaia, who debuted for the Wallabies at last year's Rugby World Cup and announced himself on the world stage with a number of sparkling performances, will be devastated by the latest setback.

Club officials found out on Wednesday and Petaia's teammates and coaches are said to be shattered by the news.

After making his return from a foot injury for Wests in Queensland Premier Rugby almost a fortnight ago, the teen speedster was loaned to QPR rivals Sunnybank for the final round of fixtures to allow him valuable game time as he continues to recover from a foot injury that cruelled his Super Rugby season.

After a 20-minute cameo in his return, Petaia played half a game for the Dragons in their 41-29 win over Bond University on Saturday.

And while he had few chances in open space, Sunnybank coach Evan Willis said there were signs Petaia was returning to his best.