By Tom Primmer

The Hospital Challenge Cup enters its second round of fixtures this weekend, with four quality games across the competition in Round 10.

Archrivals Brothers and UQ will square off at Crosby Park, with some off-season movement adding more spice to an already fiery relationship between the historical foes. 

After making his Uni debut last weekend, Brad Kapa will run on for his first game against his former club, while Ashton Watson and Richard Clift both made the move from St Lucia to Albion over the summer. 

Brethren number-eight Clift will go up against arguably the recruit of the competition thus far in Iona Halahola, who has established himself as a wrecking ball in the already star-studded UQ forward pack. 

Reds backrower Sam Wallis and scrumhalf Mosiah Christian return for the Students, while boom colt Patrick Elekana will earn his second start at fullback in place of Mac Grealy. 

Noah Nielsen returns to start at openside flanker for the Brethren, as does Remi Sawtell in the front row. 

With a victory propelling Brothers into the top-four and UQ aiming to keep their undefeated streak alive, it’s all to play for, for both sides at Crosby Park. 

“There’s a rich history between the two clubs,” UQ Assistant Coach Elton Berrange said.  

“A few players and Tom Court switched clubs in the off season so there’s a bit of friendly banter in the lead up to this one. 

“The two clubs have contested two Grand Finals in the last five years, so while we have a long rivalry with Brothers, our current teams are building on that.” 

At Chipsy Wood Oval, Souths will be out to cause an upset when they host GPS. 

Fresh from a win over Bond University last round, the Magpies have named an unchanged team to take on the Gallopers, with Brad Kelegai, Luke Samoa and Theo Fourie among the key men for the home side. 

Emori Waqavulagi has been named to return to the starting side for Jeeps, as has Jethro Felemi in the front row. 

Sitting in sixth place and within touching distance of the top-four, this weekend shapes as in important clash for head coach Todd Dammers and his young Magpies.

“I think they have been very good,” Dammers said of his side’s opponent this weekend.

“Strong set piece and really exciting backs. They are currently second of the table for a reason… they are a good side. 

“We will need to be able to go out and back ourselves to play our best rugby. Play smart, physical rugby. 

“It’s always great to play at Chipsy Wood Oval, so a big match against GPS will be no different.”

After a drought breaking win in their last clash, Easts will travel to Sunnybank this weekend intent on avenging their Round 1 loss to the Dragons earlier in the year. 

The Tigers will be without front rowers Rhys van Nek and Richie Asiata who are on Super Rugby duties with the Rebels and Reds, meaning the performance of the visitor’s front row will be key against an imposing Bankers scrum of Lloyd Gorman, Dee Anae and Laurence Tominiko. 

Shane Kennedy and Jack Frampton loom as key factors for Easts in the backs, while Tom Milosevic will lead from the front in the back row. 

Liam McNamara is the key to unlocking the Sunnybank attack in front of their home crowd, while Sam Mataafa has put together a number of impressive performances for the Bankers at number-eight. 

Bond travel to Shaw Road to take on Norths to round out the action, with the Gold Coasters looking to bounce back after a tight loss and a draw over the past two weeks. 

The Bullsharks have named a largely unchanged side, with back row trio Connor Pritchard, Dylan Rowe and Nixon Taramai out to impose themselves on the game this weekend. 

For the Eagles, Ryan Ah Yek and Levi Trivett form a new wing combination in place of Veresa Mataitini and Connor Scurr, while Sunshine Coast product Will Rogers has been named to return at number-eight.