By Matt Findlay 

Undefeated and flying, University of Queensland coach Mick Heenan said his troops are preparing for their biggest test of the 2021 Hospitals Challenge Cup season on Saturday afternoon against Jeeps.

There’ll certainly be no lack of motivation either way, the top-of-the-table clash coming on what Heenan called ‘the most important day of the season, outside finals’.

The two sides are, of course, once again competing for the Halley Appleby Memorial Trophy, Saturday’s round seven showdown marking the 10th anniversary since the up-and-coming UQ star’s death.

On July 16, 2011 the Red Heavies’ much-loved clubman ran out at Yoku Road to take on Jeeps but, tragically, didn’t get the chance to run off. He suffered brain and spinal injuries in the game, passing away in hospital as a result.

“There wouldn’t be many players left who were around back then, maybe a couple, for instance I’m pretty sure Con Foley was playing colts at the time,” Heenan said.

“But even though the group may not necessarily have the same emotional connection as former players, we always make sure to let them know how important this game is and they always understand that.

“So it does always give a bit of extra motivation. It’s always an emotional game for both clubs and I think it is the most important day of the season, outside finals probably, for us.”

UQ holds the trophy and, although Jeeps are also undefeated, the Red Heavies will go into this weekend as strong favourites after shooting to a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

But Heenan’s under no illusions as to how tough the clash will be, with kick-off scheduled for 3.05pm.

“You want to win every game, obviously, but it would be ideal for us to go into that bye next weekend undefeated. It’s not the end of the world if that doesn’t happen though, we know how big a test Jeeps will be,” he said.

“They’ll certainly be the toughest test we’ve had this season, you have to be able to meet the physical challenge they bring because if you can’t get that momentum from the breakdown they’re a side that will take advantage.

“They’ll actually pose a slightly different test for us as well, they’re stronger at the set piece and they’ve added some real firepower out wide, players that can hurt you pretty easily if you let them.

“We know we’ve got plenty of points in us, yes, but we’ll have to meet that challenge up front or we might not get the chance to score them.”

A victory on Saturday would solidify UQ’s status as title favourites, a tag already handed to them in the opening six weeks of the competition, but quite ominously Heenan also said there’s plenty of improvement to be made yet.

“We’re certainly pleased with where we are at the moment but we are a long way from where we want to be by the end of the season,” he said.