By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

Round seven of the Hospital Challenge Cup is upon us, with the competition’s two undefeated sides, GPS and UQ, set to play off for the first time as the season nears it halfway point. 

Yoku Road will play host to the top of the table clash, with both sides establishing themselves as the teams to beat in 2021 after almost two months of play. 

Fresh from a bye last week, the Gallopers welcome back Teti Tela at inside-centre, while powerful lock Tuaina Taii Tualima will be in action at lock after an impressive start to his campaign. 

Jeeps will look to set the tone at scrum time, the front row trio of Matt Mafi, Jethro Felemi and Fred Burke looking to lay the platform for the likes of Josh Collins and Emori Waqavulagi out wide. 

For UQ, Connor Vest returns, with Pat Morrey making the move to the second row to accommodate Will Roach, Iona Halaholo and Connor Mitchell in the back row. 

Josh Nasser returns from Reds duties at lock, while Scott Gale has been named for his first start of the year. 

Regardless of the result, Saturday will be a special day for both clubs as the commemorate the life of Halley Appleby and play for both the Halley Appleby Memorial Cup and Bunter Bowl. 

“This is an important game for us,” Uni Assistant Coach Elton Berrange said. 

“It’s the 10-year anniversary of Halley’s passing and the team wants to put in a great performance to honour his legacy.

“GPS have so many threats across the field. The set piece will be a good battle and with the breakdown threats from both teams this will be an important part of getting a win.”

After consecutive losses to Uni and Jeeps, Bond need a win at home against Wests to maintain their spot in the top-four and regain their early-season momentum. 

Zane Nonggorr’s injury at prop sees Josiah Tavita-Metcalfe earn a start, while Max Dowd retains his spot at fullback in the absence of Joey Fittock. 

They’ll take on a Bulldogs outfit with confidence on their side after three straight wins, with the visitors also strengthened by the return of Queensland halfback Moses Sorovi.

George Francis is out in the front row seeing Liam Usher, Ethan Dobbins, and Jone Tiko in the front row, while youngster Mason Gordon will start at fullback in place of Byron Hutchinson. 

Back in Brisbane, a desperate Easts side host Souths as the Tigers search for their first win of the season.

Eli Pilz remains sidelined, seeing Ben Littleton again start at halfback alongside Lachlan Kirk in the halves. 

Cullen Ngamanu will start at number-eight for Souths alongside Sean Farrell and Brad Kelegai in the backrow. 

Seb Hanna returns to the side at fullback, seeing Tye James shift to the wing. 

Brothers travel to Sunnybank to round out the action.

Harry Vella makes the first start of his young career at prop for the Brethren, while Jonte Conolly will move to the backrow to accommodate Will Wilson and Tom Jeffries at lock. 

Connor Mulhearn will start at ten for the Dragons as Hayden Sargeant’s injury absence continues, with Josh Walker out to impress in his second game back for the club.