By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

The cavalry is back for Round 11 of the Hospital Challenge Cup, with a number of Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels set to strengthen sides across the competition. 

Easts are the major beneficiary, with the likes of Liam Wright, Seru Uru, Richie Asiata and Rhys van Nek all making their returns to Tigerland to face Bond University. 

Uru and Wright, who were both overlooked in Dave Rennie’s Wallabies 38-man squad after being selected in the national training squad earlier year, will form a lethal back row combination with Tom Milosevic, while van Nek and Asiata give the reigning premiers a formidable scrum. 

Former Queensland outside back Jack Hardy also makes his long-awaited return from dual ACL injuries as the Tigers look to secure the third straight win. 

After a tough start to the season, head coach Moses Rauluni believes the star inclusions could be just what the Tigers need for the side to launch a late season charge to the finals. 

“Their presence will be massive,” Rauluni said. 

“They will bring a different dimension to the team and the players who have already done a great job will have to rise again to match their standards. 

“Like every team we want to win it. We have to do the simple things better than the opposing team can’t afford to lose again this round as it puts us behind the eight-ball. 

“Bond love to play good attacking rugby with some exciting backs. Our defensive line has to be on song to have a chance.”

The Gold Coasters remain without a number of their backline stars, with Joey Fittock, Dan Boardman and Liam Dillon still sidelined with injury. 

Zac Moi Moi makes his own return in the second row, partnering young gun Wilson Blyth. 

A number of Super Rugby stars will also be on show at Sylvan Road when Wests take on Brothers. 

For the hosts, Isaac Henry and Ilasia Droasese form a lethal midfield combination in the centres, with Reds teammate Moses Sorovi and Rebels youngster Mason Gordon inside them in the halves. 

Glen Vaihu and Ilikena Vudogo are also up from Melbourne, while front row trio George Francis, Ethan Dobbins and and Jone Tiko will look to lay the platform for their exciting backs at scrum time. 

Fresh from a Super Rugby debut last week, Hudson Creighton returns for the Brethren at outside-centre alongside winger Josh Flook, as does Ryan Smith who enjoyed a superb campaign in his first full professional season.

Nate Carroll is key at the back, as is Jonte Connoly in the back row who has enjoyed a very promising start to his Premier Grade career thus far.

Mac Grealy and Kalani Thomas are back for the University of Queensland as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season against Souths at St Lucia. 

Will Roach will start at openside, pushing Sam Wallis to the bench, with UQ keeping an otherwise unchanged side to last round. 

For the Magpies, Callum Lauder will start in place of Theo Fourie at hooker, with Zac Munro also returning to the starting XV. 

Tommy Gilbert returns on the wing, partnering Seb Hanna and Luke Samoa in the back three. 

GPS host Norths at Yoku Road to round out the action in Round 11. 

Fred Burke and Alex Casey will both return to start in the front row, with Teti Tela and Emori Waqavulagi also back to add some spark out wide.

Dane Zander will add starch to the Eagles front row, while Veresa Mataitini is back in action on the wing.