By Michael Atkinson

The 2018 Queensland Premier Rugby season kicks off this Saturday with four mouth-watering match ups. Here’s all you need to know about each clash.

University of Queensland vs. Easts (Match of the Round)

The Red Heavies have won four titles in the past eight seasons and are heavy favourites to add a fifth in 2018. They’ve gone through the last two regular seasons dropping just one game in each.

The task for the Tigers is tremendous on Saturday. Brothers and GPS have shown in recent times that dominating the Students in the physical contest goes a long way to winning the game. That’s what Easts need to do.

I’m really excited about their new outside centre, Landon Hayes. Former Aussie Schoolboy, spent some time in league, could be a revelation this season.

Atko’s tip: That said, it’s UQ by 12 for me.

Brothers vs. GPS

The previous game may be the QRU’s “Match of the Round” but this clash is guaranteed to be a memorable one. Traditional rivals: there’s a lot of passion (the word “hate” comes to mind) and history between these two clubs on the field, but in the true fashion of club rugby, lots of respect and friendship off it.

Last year, they recorded one win apiece. A missed conversion by GPS at the death saw Brothers claim a win in the first encounter. Second clash was a tense, scrum-a-thon with the Gallopers collecting a 16-10 win; it was the game that started their run to the 2017 grand final. This weekend will be no different. It’s also a huge occasion for Brothers with two club stalwarts in Luke Beauchamp and Dallan Murphy celebrating their 100^th games.

Atko’s tip: “Jeeps” in a classic; Gallopers by 8.

Norths vs. Sunnybank

The thing I’m most excited about in this match is young playmakers Nick Jooste (Norths) and Isaac Lucas (Sunnybank) facing off. There’s been big wraps on Jooste for some time, while Lucas has pedigree and plenty of positive backing from people in high places.

Sunnybank are always finals contenders and will be thereabouts again this year. Norths have been improving but they can’t afford another slow start to a season. The Dragons are missing classy halfback Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa (Brumbies) and their attack may stutter without him.

The Eagles have added skill, strength and experience to their backrow with new skipper and former Aussie 7s player, Jordan Taupou.

Atko’s tip: Norths to kick off 2018 with a win by 5.

Bond University vs. Wests

Bond were disappointing in 2017 following two seasons of just missing the finals. Alternatively, Wests made a spectacular return to the top four. The Bulldogs were the competition’s entertainers last year; some of the tries they scored were simply outstanding.

Wingers Ed Fidow and Filipo Daugunu were responsible for plenty of those. Unfortunately, the Dogs will be without them this year (Fidow has moved to France; Daugunu is playing for the Reds) so the onus will be on the others to create attacking spark.

Bond have been busy with their recruiting this season, particularly in the outside backs. The Gold Coast students will be better this year, but I think Wests will also take a lot of confidence out of their 2017 resurgence.

Atko’s tip: Dogs by 10.

All games are available via livestream through redsrugby.com.au