Queensland Reds skipper James Slipper believes the team is on the verge of a much improved season in 2017.

The team was impressive in its trial game on Tuesday night against the Rebels, running out winners by 32 – 13 in an enterprising display.

The clubs signing of veterans George Smith, Stephen Moore, Quade Cooper and Scott Higginbotham in the off season has fans excited and Slipper (pictured) says while Higginbothams arrest a fortnight ago was far from ideal, he’s confident the Reds are ready to turn their fortunes around.