GPS’ young-gun forward Nick Baker has praised a number of his teammates for excellent performances in his side’s 36 point to 12 drubbing of “bogey-team” Norths, away from home. 

The former Junior Wallabies skipper, who captained GPS on the weekend, told Rugby News his team was feeling full of confidence after the win against Norths, who are a historically tricky opponent for the club.

“It was really good to get the win against Norths away, where we usually struggle. Added to the fact that we had a bye last weekend – and in the past we have played poorly after the bye – its happy days,” Baker said. 

“Norths are playing well at the moment, and I think this win is going to help our season.”

Baker said the forwards “set the pace” for GPS’ victory.

“It helped us constrict the way Norths wanted to play, and at the same time, it helped us hold possession and territory,” Baker said. 

GPS’ captain for the day lauded a number of his teammates.

“Jayden Kemp our halfback played the perfect game. Jack Paterson (13) also had a blinder.

“To be honest I have been really impressed by Te OhoRei Totorewa, our winger. He’s played well every game this year and it was more of the same from him on the weekend.

“In saying that you could throw a dart at any one of the boys and it’s hit a player who played well. As a unit we were solid.” 

GPS’ victory lifts the club to fourth on the Hospital Cup ladder and with three wins from the opening five games, the club appear to be heading in a positive trajectory. 

“It looks decent but we want more,” Baker said. 

“There are a few games we should have one, especially against Souths – we feel like we let that slip. It’s great to be in fourth, but we aren’t halfway through the season. We can’t rest on our laurels.

“We just have to keep turning up week after week and continue to win, and if so, hopefully we will find ourselves in the grand final and lifting the cup.”

Elsewhere in the Hospital Cup, Easts won their fifth straight game trouncing Souths 26 points to 22, away from home, while Brothers also remained undefeated as they pipped Bond, 33 points to 26 at home. In the weekend’s final fixture, Elwee Prinsloo’s Wests outfit overcame Sunnybank 43 to 26, away.

Asked what he made of the weekend’s fixtures, and indeed the competition’s results so far, Baker said he “wouldn’t be putting any bets on any games anytime soon.”

“It’s just impossible to work out who is going to win out in games this season,” Baker said.

“It’s so competitive. As I said if you were punting on the league, you’d be having a shocker. Historically you would be picking teams to win quite comfortably and then this season they are getting pumped. It’s good for the league.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s headline clash between Easts and Brothers, Baker tipped the hosts. 

“Easts are playing in front of the Tigers fans. Assuming it’s a dry track, with Easts’ home ground advantage, it will be tough for Brothers. But if wet weather comes into it, Brothers will be a good chance,” he said. 

UQ had the bye.