Queensland Reds coach Mark McBain is no closer to finalising several decision dilemmas, despite the Super 12 starting in less than two months.

McBain has three players lining up for a shot at hooker and the return from injury and new signings has increased competition in the backline.

Wallaby hooker Michael Foley is now coaching Bath in England after retiring at the end of the year and his departure has created an interesting race for the No 2 jersey.

McBain wouldn't nominate a likely starting hooker from the trio of Sean Hardman, Tom Murphy and Tim Tavalea, despite Hardman doing most of the deputising for Foley last year.

"The biggest headache for me will be selecting the right people," McBain said. "We're looking a lot better than we were last year. A lot better in a lot of areas."

The Reds are expected to be at full strength for their opening Super 12 game against the defending champions the ACT Brumbies.

Wallaby centre Daniel Herbert (pictured) is expected to recover fully from his broken right thumb, sustained during Australia's loss to England at Twickenham in November.

Former Wallaby winger Damian Smith is set to return after a long lay-off with a broken leg sustained last April in a Super 12 match against the Stormers.

Other starters hoping to be backline finishers include Wallaby Ben Tune, Rick Nalatu, who scored three tries in the Reds last outing against NSW last year, Junior Pelesasa, centre-cum-winger Jason Ramsamy and high profile league convert Wendell Sailor.

McBain said Sailor was no certainty to elbow the incumbent, Nalatu, back to the bench. "Both of them are training the house down. Both are very keen."