By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

The University of Queensland will take on Easts for the first time since the 2020 Grand Final this weekend, but the Students have chosen against using the pain of that defeat to motivate them this weekend. 

Last season’s decider saw the Tigers lift the Hospital Cup in emphatic fashion, their scrum driving the side to a crushing win over Uni at Ballymore. 

Few in the UQ setup are able to forget that day, but assistant coach Elton Berrange said that clash has not been spoken about ahead of the rematch. 

“We haven’t given the Grand Final rematch tag much thought to be honest,” Berrange said.  

“Easts have a number of changes particularly in their pack. 

“The Grand Final was painful which is probably why we haven’t spoken much about it.” 

Both sides look dramatically different to the two who ran onto the field for the decider, while the unavailability of their Reds contingent sees a new look UQ side this weekend too. 

Standouts Mac Grealy, Josh Nasser and Sam Wallis are out, with debutant Patrick Elekana, Cam Flavell and Will Roach starting in their places. 

Flyhalf Brad Twidale has been named to make his return from injury in the number-10 jersey, and will partner scrumhalf Mosiah Christian who impressed in his debut last week.

The Heavies remain undefeated thus far in 2021, although Berrange and head coach Mick Heenan are well aware there are improvements to be made as they strive for their third premiership in the last five seasons. 

“We’re building quietly,” Berrange said. 

“We’re a long way off where we need to be but this time of the year you want to be banking points on the log while improving each week.

“We’ll need to look after our own breakdown. Easts are hard on the ball and we don’t want messy ball. 

“In the wider channels we’ll need to be well organised with two good centres & a smart back three.” 

Easts will welcome back star scrumhalf Eli Pilz and winger Shane Kennedy, with the electric Jack Frampton to start at fullback. 

Still yet to taste victory this season, this shapes an important match as the Tigers look to get their campaign back on track.