By Tom Primmer and Brendan Hertel

Premiership heavyweights the University of Queensland and Bond University will face off in Round 6 of the Hospital Cup, while last year’s premiers continue their search for their first win of 2021.

The Heavies are without a number of their stars, including Mac Grealy, Josh Nasser, Will Roach and Connor Vest, but will be bolstered by the return of Sam Wallis and skipper Pat Morrey in the second row. 

With both sides potent with ball in hand, UQ assistant coach Elton Berrange said the defensice side of the clash will be pivotal

“It’s a really tough clash this week against Bond, they have quality across the whole field,” Berrange said. 

“If both teams play with quick ball it’ll be an expansive game so winning the collisions and slowing that momentum is wear the game will be won and lost this weekend.” 

Bond will be without star fullback Joey Fittock, seeing Max Dowd take over in the number-15 jersey. 

Easts will take on Brothers at Crosby Park as they aim to break through for their first victory of the season, and they’ll have to do it without star playmakers Jack Frampton and Eli Pilz. 

Shane Kennedy and Ben Littleton will step into their positions at fullback and scrumhalf respectively against a young Brothers team at Crosby Park. 

Young prop Remi Sawtell will start, as will Jonte Connolly at lock. 

Across town, Wests host a Sunnybank side desperate for their second win of the season after dropping their last three to title contenders Bond, UQ and GPS. 

Masi Ganita has been named to start at lock, while the Bankers welcome back the class of Josh Turner at outside centre. 

They’ll face a Wests side fresh from two-straight victories and with a home crowd behind them, meaning Dragons head coach Sione Fukofuka and his charges are wary of their opponents this Saturday. 

“Wests have started the season well and been able to get some results on the board early,” Fukofuka said. 

“They have a big forward pack and some wide threats that create opportunities for them to score points.

Souths take on Norths to round out the action, with Saturday afternoon a special occasion at Chipsy Wood Oval. 

The club will host its annual Ladies Day and Vietnam Veterans Cup celebrations, with the occasion full of meaning for both teams. 

Todd Dammers has named an unchanged team after a bye last round, as Souths look for their second win of the season. 

“Win the physical encounters,” Dammers said of the focus for his side.  

“Norths are very physical side and will be a challenge for us in that area of the game.”

Veteran winger Veresa Mataitini has been named for the Eagles, although the side is still without dangerous duo Shai Wiperi and Jordan Luke in the backline. 

Tonga Ma’afu will be key in the front row as his side look for their first win of the season.