By TOM PRIMMER

Two rounds of the 2021 Hospital Challenge Cup remain as three teams battle for the two remaining spots in the top-four.

Bond University and Brothers are two of those teams and they’ll do battle on the Gold Coast this Saturday, with the home side’s season and finals campaign on the line.

The Brethren sit in fourth spot, seven-points ahead of fifth-placed Bond, and could knock the Bullsharks out of finals contention with a win at the Canal.

After a last start loss to Wests, the Gold Coasters will be without regular flyhalf James Abrosini, with the experienced Justin Bernstein coming into the starting side.

Tautalatasi Tasi and Dan Boardman make up a potent centre combination, while Wilson Blyth will combine with his brother and Queensland Reds star Angus Blyth in the second row.

Blyth will do battle with fellow Red Ryan Smith, who lines up at lock for Brothers after impressing for the side in his return to club Rugby.

Rebel and former Wallaby Joe Powell again starts at scrumhalf, with Paddy James, Hamish Stewart and Hudson Creighton forming a talented midfield.

Josh Flook returns on the wing, replacing Kamilo Guido who is unlucky to miss out after scoring in last week’s 83-7 drubbing against Sunnybank.

“We have been very good defensively but still need to be smarter with the ball when under pressure,” Brothers head coach Brendan Gabbett said of his team’s recent performances.

“We need to be prepared for a tough encounter at a hostile ground against a team with everything to play for.”

One team who has stamped their ticket to the top four already is GPS, with the Gallopers set to take on another side vying for a finals berth in Wests this weekend.

After becoming the first team to beat UQ in 2021 last round, Jeeps have avoided making changes to their side, with former Western Force flyer Junior Rasolea’s inclusion on the wing the only change to the XV.

With a top-two finish locked in, the Gallopers can still claim the minor premiership, meaning motivation is high for Shane Arnold’s men.

“We’re happy with the improvement in defence and set piece last week,” Arnold said.

“We’ll look to get better at understanding our attack.

“Wests have threats across the field so we need to defend as a team.”

Towering lock Trevor Hosea will again feature for Wests, while with Carter Gordon out, Jono Kent takes over at flyhalf.

Ilikena Vudogo will look to continue his incredible try scoring exploits at wide, with fellow Fijian Ilaisa Droasese lining up at fullback.

After conceding 83 points to a rampant Brothers outfit last weekend, Sunnybank will look to bounce back in Round 17 when they host Souths.

Sam Mataafa, Joseph Faulalo and Josh Fenner make up a handy back row combination for the Bankers, with Lloyd Gorman, Nesta Mahina and Dave Feao in the front row.

Skipper Liam McNamara is again at fullback, with Connor Mulhearn set for his second straight start in the number-10 jersey.

Orlando Otto comes into the starting side in the only change for Souths after their loss to Easts last round.

Sean Farrell and Brad Kelegai are key factors in the back row, while young prop Andrew Romano will be out to continue his impressive debut season against the imposing Sunnybank front row.

Easts take to the field for the last time in 2021 this Saturday afternoon, with the reining premiers looking to finish an underwhelming season on a high.

Rebels back rower Brad Wilkin has been named to start at number-eight, pushing Seru Uru to lock to accommodate Wilkin, Liam Wright and Tom Milosevic in the back row.

Premiership winners Rhys van Nek and Richie Asiata start in the front row, with Shane Kennedy providing spark at fullback.

Nick Chapman runs on for his second game for the Eagles for the season at fullback, combining with Asher Milne and Matthew Weir in the back three.

Skipper Paulo Leleisiuao, Tonga Maafu and Angus North make up a strong front row trio as the Eagles look to string consecutive wins together for the first time this year.