By TOM PRIMMER

At long last the race to the 2020 Hospital Cup title kicked off over the weekend with four high quality games to start the season.

GPS, Easts and defending premiers the University of Queensland all cemented their status as premiership contenders with strong wins, while a youthful Souths side caused a boil over with a surprise victory over last year’s minor premiers Brothers.

Let’s take a look around the grounds.

GPS 59 v WESTS 45

There were points-a-plenty on offer at Yoku Road on Saturday as a new-look Jeeps backline kicked into gear in front of their home crowd to claim a 59-45 win over Wests.

Led by Souths recruit Teti Tela and fullback Jono Kent, the Gallopers laid on nine tries in a comprehensive display, with another ex-Magpie Abele Atunaisa crossing for a hat-trick in his first outing in the green and blue.

The hosts led by 29 points with 15 minutes to play, before a late comeback brought the Bulldogs within 14-points of Jeeps.