UQ skipper Brad Twidale produced a clutch performance at flyhalf to help his side hand Brothers their first defeat since July 15 last year.

The Red Heavies led Brothers 25-17 with 15 minutes remaining following a sideline conversion and two penalty goals from Twidale.

UQ conceded a try with 10 minutes remaining but then repelled several attacking raids from the defending premiers in the closing stages.

“It was good to get the win to kickstart our season,” Twidale told Rugby News.

“We’ve had some mixed results and produced some performances we weren’t too happy with in the early rounds but despite that I felt like we were still heading in the right direction.