By Michael Atkinson

The return of Quade Cooper is complete – that and everything else you need to know ahead of the second round of QPR.

Souths vs. Easts – Chipsy Wood Oval, 3:20pm.

Let’s start with the obvious: Quade Cooper. The polarising playermaker will take centre-stage this weekend when he leads Souths out in his first game of Premier Rugby of the year. Named skipper of the Magpies, Cooper has been a revelation at Chipsy Wood, by all accounts: ditching his superstar status to help juniors, mentor his team mates and buy drinks at a pre-season camp.

At this level, a player of Quade’s ability should be able to do what he wants, when he wants, on the field. Add the fact he will be receiving ball service from former Red and Rebel, Richard Kingi… that’s a scary proposition for the Tigers.

This reporter knows life starts at 30 and it was Quade’s 30^th birthday yesterday, so there’s extra cause for celebration tomorrow.

Atko’s tip: Magpies by 10

Brothers vs. Uni – Jack Ross Oval, 3:20pm

As far as traditional match ups go, this is one of the biggest.

The two most successful (going on 1^st grade premierships) clubs in Queensland Premier/Brisbane Club rugby history, and the Hospital Cup winners from the past two seasons.

It is Old Boys Day at Crosby Park, so expect a massive (and vocal) crowd down at Jack Ross Oval in Albion. The Brethren were spanked 29-zip by G.P.S. in round one so they will be hurting and keen to avenge that embarrassment. But it won’t be a simple opportunity to notch up a victory.

We all know how good Uni are. They got out of jail against Easts, but I think they could do a number on the Butcher Stripes this weekend.

Tip: UQ by 20

Wests vs. Sunnybank – Sylvan Road, 3:20pm

The last time these two sides met was in the 2017 Minor Semi-Final. The Bulldogs led the Dragons for 80 minutes, only for “The Bank” to score after the full-time siren and eliminate Wests from the finals.

Expect this weekend to be just as thrilling. Sunnybank collected a draw with Norths in round one, but blew an opportunity to win the game (as did the Eagles). Wests showed great grit and determination to come-from-behind and topple Bond Uni in “The Mud Bowl” on the Gold Coast.

Returning to Sci-Fleet Stadium on Sylvan Road will make the Bulldogs slight favourites, but they’ll have to work for it.

Tip: Wests by 8

GPS vs. Bond University – Yoku Road, 3:20pm

The Gallopers took a lot of people by surprise in round one. Not necessarily through winning, but by the nature and size of their victory. A lot of player turnover, a few preseason injuries to key personnel, meant no one really knew how last year’s runner-up would start 2018. They return to Yoku Road tomorrow to tackle a Bond Uni side who looked much-improved in their round one loss to Wests. GPS handed Bond two big defeats in their two encounters last season and unfortunately for the Goldy boys, I can’t see this one being much different.

Atko’s Tip: Gallopers by 15

All games livestreamed via redsrugby.com.au