Easts vs. Souths

The last time these two sides met, Souths got the chocolates thanks to a drop goal from fly-half, Jake Milne.

Easts have shown in the last two weeks that they can mix it with the best. Despite suffering losses in that period, they gave Uni a good run for their money and almost ran down Jeeps in the second half. 80-minute performances are a thing that all coaches preach and players strive for and the Tigers will probably be kicking themselves for poor periods in their last two outings. The beauty of this competition is that you get an opportunity to right your wrongs every seven days. For Souths, their opportunity has come 14 days later after having the bye last round. The Magpies would, undoubtedly, be disappointed with their season so far. Two wins and a draw from eight games, time is quickly running out for last year’s finalists to get their season back on track.

Atko’s pick: Easts by 5

Bond University vs. Sunnybank

The Dragons came roaring back to life last weekend by dismantling the defending premiers to the tune of 30 points. The last time Sunnybank faced Bond was in the Dragon’s den and the home side had a comfortable win by nearly 20. This time Bond will be on their own home soil but that, unfortunately, is probably all they have on their side. Sunnybank will be disappointed if they don’t walk away with a bonus point win but…… stranger things have happened.

Pick: Sunnybank by 15+

University vs. Norths

I am hoping this will be a bell-ringer of a game. The last time they met, UQ had a 54-34 win. It was the most points anyone had scored against Uni and it still is. Norths have been on the up ever since. They lost to GPS the next round in a high scoring affair, and won their next two fixtures. Interestingly, these wins have been despite the fact the Eagles have suffered significant losses in personnel – through injury and foreign opportunities. Uni, as we know, have continued on their merry way, conquering all before them and keeping their unbeaten record intact. I honestly don’t think Norths will inflict the first loss of the year for the Students, but I expect them to give it a good crack.

Pick: Uni by 10+ (expect the total game points scored to exceed 70)

West vs. G.P.S.

This is my match of the round. Second plays fourth. The last time they met, Wests staged a comeback to sit comfortably heading in to the final quarter, and looked like they were going to register an upset win on the road. BUT, Jeeps staged their own comeback and eventually claimed victory with a penalty try from a scrum after the full-time hooter. The Bulldogs will be looking to exact some revenge on Saturday and they’re more than capable of doing so. The Gallopers, on the other hand, will see this as another opportunity to widen the gap between themselves and the chasing pack, while also staying in touch with Uni at the top. This will be a rip-snorter of a game and I can’t urge fans enough to get down to Sci-fleet Stadium on Sylvan Road, Toowong, to catch the action.

Pick: Jeeps by 5