The Reds produced some razzle dazzle attack and a series of brave defensive plays to withstand the improved Highlanders 31-14 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
Victory was important for a Reds side fresh off a second-round bye that had followed a limp season-opening loss to the NSW Waratahs.
The Highlanders, who had beaten reigning champions the Crusaders in the first round, threw plenty at the Reds but the hosts were clinical at both ends.
The highlight came early when a Jock Campbell cut-out pass found Harry Wilson, who shovelled a no-look pass between his legs to Josh Flook.
Flook put boot to ball and Tim Ryan regathered and kicked ahead for new Reds captain Fraser McReight, who won the race to the ball.
"We got the foot to the ball a few times and ... (ran the) fat man line, through the middle," McReight laughed.
"But after that Tahs game, we were hard on ourselves.
"We got coached well, the senior boys stood up and had a great game plan and trusted it and reaped the rewards."
The Reds led 12-0 and 19-7 before the Highlanders surged behind captain Timoci Tavatavanawai to bridge the gap to five points.
The hosts got creative though and Hunter Paisami played on quickly from a line-out that led to impressive second-rower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto bulldozing over for a deserved try.
Impressive back-rower Vaiuta Latu then scooped up the crumbs from a Filipo Daugunu grubber for the match-sealer.
Te Kamaka Howden twice came close to stealing the bonus point off the Reds, but was firstly judged to have been held up over the line by Joe Brial and then spilt it as he reached for the chalk.
Carter Gordon, in his Reds debut after returning to rugby from an NRL stint, mixed quality moments with unforced errors as he shakes off rust from some pre-season leg niggles.
Coach Les Kiss was happy with what he saw.
"Of his own admission a couple of fumbles, few passes and kicks but he added a really calm head," Kiss said.
"Gave us direction ... he played strong and physical and that's important. He's in there, really happy with that hit-out as a first time. Wasn't complete, but it was good and strong."
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph was frustrated the side's home form didn't translate, ruing their inability to score points when in control in the opening 20 minutes.
"The fact we've only won four times here in 30 years tells you something," he said.
"It's not just this year, last year, year before ... the Highlanders have really struggled here.
"But we've had a good week, trying to get our minds right for a big match.
"The Reds, they really took it to us, good luck to them."
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