The ex-St Helens winger represented Wales six times in the 13-man game before switching codes in 2022, but serious injuries have hampered him since.
Prop Kemsley Mathias, hooker Evan Lloyd, No.8 Mackenzie Martin and centre Eddie James will also start in the red jersey for the first time in Brisbane on Friday against the Super Rugby outfit.
Replacement hooker Efan Daniel is another in line for a debut, off the bench, in a new-look team after consecutive defeats against the Wallabies.
Lock Cory Hill will captain the side with Dewi Lake, who skippered the side against Australia, not in the 23.
"We said that we want the players that have come out here on tour to have an involvement, whether that is starting or in the 23," said Gatland.
"That was always the plan. Unfortunately, a few players miss out due to injury, but this game against the Queensland Reds gives a number of others an opportunity to go out and put in a performance."
Team (15-1)
Cameron Winnett; Rio Dyer, Nick Tompkins, Eddie James, Regan Grace; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Mackenzie Martin, Taine Plumtree, Christ Tshiunza; Cory Hill (capt), Matthew Screech; Archie Griffin, Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias
Replacements: Efan Daniel, Corey Domachowski, Harri O'Connor, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Kieran Hardy, Ben Thomas, Mason Grady
