By Liam Cook

Perennial contenders, UQ are in unfamiliar territory after seven rounds of the 2023 premier rugby season.

With two wins, four losses and a draw against Wests under their belt, the Red Heavies may be swimming against the current for the rest of the season.

One of two teams yet to have their first bye, UQ currently sit sixth on the table despite being ultra-competitive in every contest.

Coach Elton Berrange says his team’s shaky start needs to be put in context.

“It’s been a slow start for us,” Berrange told Rugby News.

“We’ve used 40 players in the first seven games which is part of the reason.”

Saturday’s outing against Bond saw the undermanned Students fall by a solitary point at home.

While the bitter taste of defeat is not coming easy to the high-achieving UQ, the immense effort and commitment displayed is a constant.

“I was disappointed for my players on Saturday,” he said.

“Their effort was tremendous… Bond are a very good team and it was a high-quality game.”

Frequently pinned down their own end, UQ showcased their trademark grit against the Bull Sharks.

“We spent too much time in our own defensive zone on Saturday and we can take some learnings from that.”

Maintaining that staunch mentality in defence will be key to the side’s resurgence when soldiers do return.

For a team so regularly featuring in the higher echelons of the ladder, they’ve earned the right to trust they will return there.

“Their attitude is great and we can all feel we’re on the right track and the execution is getting better each week.”

Norths are the first assignment this coming Saturday as UQ look to claw their way back to the top of the mountain.