By TOM PRIMMER

Round Two of the Hospital Challenge Cup kicks off this weekend, with GPS, Souths and Easts looking to continue their unbeaten starts to the season, while we’ll get our first look at Bond University after their bye round last week.

Let’s take a look at all the matchups.

BROTHERS V NORTHS | Crosby Park | 3:30pm

The Brethren will be out to get their season back on track in this weekend’s northside derby after a surprise loss to Souths in Round 1.

They’ll face the Eagles at home and will be bolstered by the return of star inside-centre Pat James and Noah Nielsen in the backrow.

Head coach Anthony Mathison said his side are focusing on converting attacking chances into points after scoring just two tries last week.

“This week we want to improve in our ability to capitalise on our attacking opportunities and convert these into points, and to be more accurate in our breakdown work,” Mathison said.

“Our back row and locks will be key to providing the physicality and accuracy that we need at the breakdown, while Pat James will strengthen our midfield.”

The Eagles will be steeled by a gritty second-half performance against defending premiers UQ last round and will need to be at their best for the full 80-minutes at Crosby Park this week.

GPS v SOUTHS | Yoku Road | 3:30pm

Both GPS and Souths recorded wins in Round One, with this clash a major test for the youthful Magpies side.

After impressing in his Premier Grade debut last week, scrumhalf Cullin Cooper-Jones is out injured for the Gallopers, with Namalo Kauyaca and centre Maaloga Konelio also joining him in the casualty ward.

The trio will be replaced by the experienced Nigel Genia, Nic Richards and Bernard Nickel, with head coach Elwee Prinsloo and his men looking to sure up their defence after conceding 45-points last week,

“The key focus for us is will certainly be to tidy up our defence,” Prinsloo said.

“Leaking 45 points is by far not good enough and we were very disappointed with our effort on the weekend in that regard.

“They (Souths) looked pretty fit and keen to impress against Brothers so we certainly expecting a very tough encounter. They play with great speed and looked very organised in defence.”

BOND UNIVERSITY V SUNNYBANK | Bond University Rugby Club | 3:30pm

Bond University will kick off their 2020 campaign at home on the Gold Coast when they host Sunnybank on Saturday.

Former Wests scrumhalf Liam Dillon will make his first appearance for the Bullsharks after moving to the club over the off-season, with his combination with flyhalf Mitch Third, centre Dan Boardman and fullback Joey Fittock in the backline a mouth-watering prospect for Bond fans.

After a breakout season last year, Connor Pritchard will be the key man in the forward pack for the Gold Coasters.

Sunnybank have made one change to the fifteen which lost to Easts in Round 1, with their strong first-half performance proving the side’s ability to contend with the competition’s best.

Dragons head coach Sione Fukofuka said stopping the Bond backline will be key for his side.

“Bond have a very good backline – a strong halves combination with Liam Dillon and Mitch Third driving the team, and attacking outside threats in Dan Boardman, Ryan Menzies and co,” Fukofuka said.

“They also have good backrow who are strong over the ball.

“We will look to work hard on improving our lineout percentage and on our game management.”

WESTS V EASTS | Sci-Fleet Stadium | 3:30pm

Easts will travel to Sylvan Road this weekend to take on the Bulldogs in a huge clash for both clubs.

The Tigers are coming off a strong win over Sunnybank after a dominant second-half performance, and will look to continue to build combinations this week.

Halves pairing Eli Pilz and Jack Frampton starred last week and will need to be at their best again, while the front-row battle will be a key factor after both sides impressed at scrum time last week.

Wests head coach Carl Marshall said his side his side were happy to put 45-points on competition heavyweights GPS last round but will be looking for a better performance in defence.
“Obviously we were happy with certain aspects of our performance namely the driving maul which helped us score 45 points at Yoku Rd which is a good achievement,” Marshall said.

“However, we were very disappointed with the manner in which we defended and missing 63 tackles is unacceptable for our team and will be a major focus for the team moving forward.

“We are very much looking forward to playing in front of our home fans this week as it has been a touch few months for all concerned.”

Front rower Bronson Fotuali’i and Shea Lalagavesi both come into the side for the Bulldogs this weekend.

IMAGE: BRENDAN HERTEL / QRU