By Tom Primmer

The race to the Hospital Cup finals is beginning to heat up, as the season reaches its halfway point this weekend. 

Title contenders GPS will host Brothers in a huge clash between two historical rivals at Yoku Road, with both sides looking to consolidate their positions in the top half of the ladder.

After narrowly defeating Wests last weekend, the Gallopers have made just one change to their XV with Sam Curran moving into the starting side at lock. 

GPS’ Matt Gicquel will go head-to-head with Reds and Wallaby flanker Fraser McReight at the breakdown, with McReight’s inclusion a huge bonus for the Brethren. 

Jeeps head coach Shane Arnold emphasised the rivalry between the two great clubs as they prepare to do battle once again this Saturday, with Ashgrove playing host to GPS’ annual Old Boys Day celebrations. 

“The GPS Brothers rivalry goes back generations and the old boys at the club see this as the biggest game of the year,” Arnold said.

“Two traditional clubs who have built a rivalry on the back of years of success had by Brothers in the 19080’s. 

“[We are] happy we have been getting results but think there are areas in a game we need to improve.” 

After a bye last weekend, ladder leaders UQ are back in action this weekend when they host Wests at St Lucia. 

Connor Vest has been ruled out for a number of weeks with injury, but the Heavies are well covered with former Brothers lock Brad Kapa named to make his club debut in Vest’s place. 

He’ll combine with Connor Mitchell in the second row, while exciting youngster Kalani Thomas is back from Reds duty at scrumhalf.

Mac Grealy provides spark at fullback and will go up against another promising prospect in Bulldogs and Rebels young gun Mason Gordon. 

“It was good to get away from footy for a week but it’s always great to be back,” UQ Assistant Coach Elton Berrange said. 

“Almost halfway through the season and it’s great to be on top of the table so we are very happy with where we’re at in terms of points but we still got a lot of work to do. 

“Wests are a very big and physical side and have a powerful back row and some genuine speed. 

“I think Ethan Dobbins has probably been the form hooker of the competition. We will need to front up physically. 

“They are genuine contenders the season so it will be a great test for both teams.” 

On the Gold Coast, Bond will be out to consolidate their spot in the top four with a win over Souths. 

They’ll do so without Dan Boardman, Joey Fittock, Jordan Kahu and Max Dowd in the backline, meaning the likes of Dion Samuela and Spencer Jeans will need to step up for the Bullsharks. 

Tommy Gilbert will start on the wing in place of Tye James for the Magpies, while Liam Fletcher has been named to run on at number-eight. 

Sunnybank take on Norths at Biggs Oval to round out the action, with both teams needing a win to keep their seasons on track. 

Lloyd Gorman, Albert Anae and Dave Feao form an imposing front row for the Bankers, with Josh Walker and Liam McNamara providing strike in the backline. 

Callum MacDonald is back at lock for the Eagles, with former Australian Sevens representative Jordan Tuapou named to start at openside flanker.