By Liam Cook

Needing to make up significant ground for a top four spot, 2022 runners up UQ will begin the trek toward finals against their nemesis in Wests.

The storied recent history of these clubs is unparalleled in premier rugby; including a nail-biting UQ victory in round one of last season, a fiercely contested semi-final and a Wests’ premiership drought breaker, not to mention the draw in their first outing of the current campaign.

Veteran UQ flyhalf Brad Twidale believes round 12’s iteration will be just as fiercely contested.

“It’s been quite the rivalry brewing up over the last couple of years with Wests,” Twidale told Rugby News.

“They’re a big physical side that like to throw the ball around.”

Playing against their west-side foes may just prove the catalyst to reverse UQ’s fortunes.

Heading into the second half of the season, every game is seemingly a must win for the perennial finalists.

“We expect a big game for a number of reasons, our season’s on the line I think this weekend so we’ll definitely be up for it and I’m sure they will be too,” Twidale said.

A three-win, six loss record, as well as the Bulldog’s draw, has the red heavies scrambling for a place at the pointy end of the year.

While results haven’t gone their way, the students feel some tinkering in the basics’ department and more on field unity will set them on the right path.

“At the start of the season we were a little bit one-out, whereas we’re starting to build toward a more team mentality now where we are hunting as a pack.

“The improvement needs to come from the basics and detail in what we’re doing.

“We’ve certainly got the talent in the side, it’s just the one percenters and detail that’ve been the difference in some of these games we’re losing.”

Twidale’s building form mirrors that of his team overall, according to the experienced playmaker.

Delayed by off-season shoulder surgery 18 months in the making, the No.10 was slow out of the blocks to start 2023.

Continuity and confidence in his body has seen Twidale accumulate the second highest point’s tally of any player in the competition.

“It’s starting to feel better now, closer to 100% and I feel I’m building well with the team.”

Also building alongside the team has been new head coach, Elton Berrange.

Mick Heenan’s right-hand man for many seasons, Twidale has says the assistant turned head coach’s role change has been seamless.

“The transition’s been quite seamless because Elton’s always been on the scene and very hands on as an assistant coach and now he’s stepped forward.

“He’s got his own style of coaching but it’s still much the same as previous years, same mentality, and direction.”

Starting against Wests on Saturday, Twidale and his teammates are eager to “start getting some wins on the board for him.”