Crosby Park will play host to a genuine blockbuster in Round 2 of the Hospital Cup, with Brothers and Wests strengthened by no less than eight Queensland Reds on Saturday afternoon. 

The Brethren welcome back flyhalf Lawson Creighton, prop Harry Hoopert and rising outside-centre Josh Flook, who scored for the Reds in their win over the Brumbies last weekend. 

Flook will partner Hudson Creighton in the centres, with Lawson Creighton combining with Phoenix Hunt in the halves. 

Hoopert, Matt Faessler and the experienced Ruan Smith form a classy front-row trio, and they’ll look to lay the platform for the side’s classy backline this weekend. 

Brothers head coach Brendan Gabbett said the side is preparing for a physical contest in what will be the Bulldogs’ first fixture of 2021. 

“Wests have a big forward pack, speed on the edges and good halves,” Gabbett said. 

“We’ll need to tidy up some little details we need from last round. 

“It’s always exciting playing at Crosby.  It’s a vocal and passionate crowd.” 

Wests will boast a backline for the ages this weekend, with Wallaby Filipo Daugunu set to start on the wing for the Bulldogs. 

Fellow Fijian flyer Ilaisa Droasese will pair with another Red, sharpshooter Isaac Henry in the centres, with the experienced Moses Sorovi running on in the number nine jersey to partner new recruit Jono Kent in the halves.  

Promising youngster Keynan Tauakipulu starts at number-eight, combining with captain Connor Anderson and the destructive Jeremaiah Skelton in what could be a game breaking backrow.

Liam Usher, Ethan Dobbins and Latu Talakai will be key in the front row as the Bulldogs look to unleash the likes of Daugunu and Droasese out wide. 

After the disappointment of last season, Wests will be raring to start their season on a positive note, and they have the perfect opportunity on Saturday. 

Catch the action live on Stan Sport from 3:05pm.