The damaging Reds and Wallabies lock was named for Saturday's clash in Auckland but has stayed in Brisbane with his wife expecting their third child.
Seru Uru has trained in the second row this week and will fill Salakaia-Loto's spot while Hamish Muller, voted the Reds' best player in last week's loss to the Western Force, is back on the bench.
The sixth-placed Reds are in a five-team battle for a finals berth.
They could miss the finals altogether or finish as high as fourth, depending on results in Auckland on Saturday and against Fijian Drua at home next Friday.
Pasifika, who have lost the financial backing of their current ownership beyond this year, will likely play at their North Harbour home for the final time on Saturday.
When the teams last played there, Pasifika registered a last-gasp, three-point win over the Reds with both McReight and fellow Wallabies talent Tate McDermott red-carded and subsequently suspended for foul play.
McDermott's swinging arm was the product of the misfiring Reds' frustrations while McReight's high shot was only marginally off target.
"Not really," McReight said of the suggestion he'd tried to wipe memories of that disappointing day.
"For mine that's a yellow (card) anyway nowadays ... they have softened off on that (indiscretion).
"But you don't want to look and feel for the negatives."
McReight and Saturday's centre pairing Josh Flook and Filipo Daugunu were rested from last Saturday's tight loss to the Force while McDermott and influential lock Josh Canham will both start in their returns from long-term hamstring injuries.
"You lock into the positives; the boys are in a good spot, really excited to play some exciting rugby," McReight said.
"(Canham brings) great height, great set piece and will do wonders for us around the park."
Pasifika could still be revived under new ownership with New Zealand Rugby confirming multiple parties - including a consortium of former All Blacks with Pacific ties - were preparing proposals.
Tana Umaga's men have lost 11 consecutive games by an average of 27.7 points since beating Fijian Drua in the opening round.
The Reds have lost three of their last four games by three, 10 and five points.
McReight pointed to the need for clinical rugby, particularly in the first half, to take any wind out of Moana's sails.
"That Force loss has just driven us through the week and we're playing a Moana side full of emotion," McReight said.
"It's special and will be a privilege (to play in what could be their last home game) ... the weather's good, all these factors are pointing towards a great game."
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