A product of the Crusaders' Academy, after representing Australia Schools and Australia Under-18, Brial, 23, played for New Zealand Under-20 and Canterbury in the Bunnings Cup before returning to Australia when signing with the Reds for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
He quickly became a key member of one of Super Rugby's more impressive loose forward combinations, and in the injury-enforced absences of Liam Wright and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, he made his mark in 2025.
The Reds, Super Rugby champions in 2011, face a significant hurdle due to not having won a playoff in New Zealand in 29 years.
Against the Crusaders' they have won once in their last 14 games, a 2024 33-28 win in the Crusaders' worst season in 10 years.
Earlier this year, they went down 19-43. In two playoffs against the Crusaders on New Zealand soil, in 2013 and 2022, they are yet to win, and in 16 games, they have only twice beaten the Crusaders in New Zealand.
The Crusaders are on a 16-game streak without defeat in finals games, the best by any team in Super Rugby history. Their last loss in a finals game was in 2016 against the Lions.
Brial told Rugby.com.au, "I'm looking forward to it, they're a good team. We've had a good season and are excited for the opportunity. I've played a few times at Apollo Projects [Stadium]. It's a tough place to play."
Brial was in the Academy with hooker George Bell and loose forward Corey Kellow.
Having played in 13 games this season, Brial has relished his chances.
"Focusing week by week is what I've been doing. The opportunity to play in the Queensland jersey as much as you can builds confidence.
"It's exciting to have these international back-rowers here [Wilson, Wright and Fraser McReight]. It's an opportunity to learn and keep building.
"It's been a 12-18 month kind of process, and gives me a lot of confidence knowing I've done that work. If I can get on the field wherever I can, I'll do my best."