After an upset loss to Sunnybank in round one, reigning premiers Easts will be out to get their season back on track this Saturday against Bond on the Gold Coast, and they’ll do so with three of their Reds stars back. 

Queensland captain Liam Wright has been named and will see 60-minutes of action for the Tigers after returning from injury against the Brumbies last weekend, while prop Richie Asiata will also be in action. 

Arguably the most exciting inclusion is that of Seru Uru, who has enjoyed a breakout Super Rugby season and spent time in Wallabies camp this week. 

Wright and Uru’s inclusion sees a reshuffle in the backrow, with the impressive Alex Smit moving to the bench to accommodate a backrow of captain Milosevic and the Reds duo. 

Head coach Moses Rauluni said his side will need to put in an improved performance against a livewire Bond team. 

“We were poor last week and made too many poor reads without really pressuring Sunnybank’s much improved attack,” Rauluni said. 

“Against Bond, who are also a sharp attacking team we have to be well connected as they have some really good ball runners. 

“Our focus is to do the simple things right like communication, defence and decision making. We have to be 100% better than last week. 

“Bond were the only team to beat us last year in the rounds because they did the simple things much better than us. 

“They have had some good recruits so will be even better than last year.” 

The road trip down the M1 is notoriously tough, and this weekend will be no different, with Bond enjoying a strong start to the season last week. 

The Bullsharks have also been bolstered by Reds trio Alex Mafi, Angus Blyth and Zane Nonggorr, with Nonggorr and Mafi both key to countering the Tigers’ usually dominant scrum. 

The Gold Coaster’s potent backline could be the difference in this clash, with the likes of Joey Fittock, Dan Boardman and Tautalatasi Tasi capable of producing plenty of points. 

Watch the match live or on demand on Stan Sport from 3:05pm.