Written by Queensland Rugby Media Unit, courtesy of qld.rugby Source article
Grand finalists Wests Bulldogs have taken steps to shake up their modest recent form for Saturday’s clash against Easts at Bottomley Park.
Back-to-back losses to GPS (36-19) and Brothers (31-12) have left the Bulldogs searching for answers in this key match-up in Round Eight of the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
“We’ve had a couple of rough weeks and there’s definitely been some soul searching within the team,” Wests skipper Connor Anderson said.
“We had a team dinner on Wednesday and got into a good training session on Thursday. The answers to getting through these bumps will come from focussing on ourselves.
“I’d say Easts and UQ have been the biggest movers form-wise since the start of the season so we certainly respect our opponents.”
The Bulldogs will be without their Melbourne Rebels players on Saturday but they need a lift in the forwards regardless of personnel.
Reds squad halfback Louis Werchon has been installed at flyhalf which means Tomas Hanham-Carter is at fullback.
Welshman Gruffydd John-Morris is the new hooker.
Meli Dru will again guide the Tigers from No.10 as they chase a fourth straight win.
At Chipsy Wood Oval, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will steer Souths against Bond University.
At Crosby Park, quicksilver halfback Will Cartwright finds himself on the wing for the clash against Norths.
At Oldmac Oval, Sunnybank will host University of Queensland.
Watch all of the 2024 StoreLocal Hospital Cup action live on Stan Sport
Your StoreLocal Hospital Cup teams for Round Seven of Queensland Premier Rugby:
SOUTHS V BOND UNIVERSITY
Saturday 25 May, 3:35pm – Souths Rugby Club
Souths
- Helaman Samuela
- Callum Lauder
- Phransis Sula-Siaosi
- Samual Von Blanckensee
- Jake Kurbatoff
- Reece Meise
- Kohan Herbert
- Jack Farrell
- Finn Hearn
- Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
- Joseph Veramu
- Vilikesa Raboiliku
- Alofa Alofa
- Tye James
- Lachlan Stewart
Bond University
- Levi Samuela
- Jack Winchester
- Rhys Sheriff
- Charles McCauley
- Dylan Loader
- Zebediah Misios
- Joel Brown
- Nixon Taramai
- Jordan Lenac
- Fred Dorrough
- Ieuan Cornelius
- Tyler Campbell
- Gus Wolton
- Hamish Roberts
- Rhian Stowers
EASTS v WESTS
Saturday 25 May, 3:05pm – Easts Rugby Club
Easts
- Tom Fowler
- Sam Finocchiaro
- Massimo De Lutiis
- Charlie Scott
- Fred Fewtrell
- Tau Tuisamoa
- Henry Wilson
- James Livingstone
- Eli Pilz
- Meli Dreu
- Dougal Gray
- Matt Smit
- Gus Godwin
- Shea Lalagavesi
- Jordan Carriera
Wests
- Jone Tiko
- Gruffydd John-Morris
- Bronson Tauakipulu
- Cailen Hope
- Max Johnson
- John Schwalger
- Bradley Kelegai
- Connor Anderson
- James Alexander
- Louis Werchon
- Josateki Lalagavesi
- Charlie Tuou
- Mosese Dawai
- Henry Speight
- Tomas Hanham-Carter
BROTHERS V NORTHS
Saturday 25 May, 3:05pm – Brothers Rugby Club
Brothers
- Liam Fletcher
- Quentin Raravula
- Siona Latu Talakai
- Nick Cross
- Hamish Muller
- Michael Wood
- Noah Nielsen
- Brad Hemopo
- Isaac Tarabay
- Paddy James
- Seb Hanna
- Dre Pakeho
- Benn Dalle Cort
- Will Cartwright
- Finn Pras
Norths
- Ollie Harris
- Josh Mongard
- Eli Junior Latu
- Chris Minimbi
- Yvhan Allsworth
- Takehiro Kimura
- Conor Chittenden
- Leo Langbridge
- Cody Mitchell
- Harry Langbridge
- Jackson Connelly
- Jack Peoples
- Tevita Toloi
- Alex Flanagan Smith
- Will McCulloch
SUNNYBANK v UNIVERSITY
Saturday 25 May, 3:05pm – Sunnybank Rugby Club
Sunnybank
- JP Tominiko
- Josh Mahina
- Eli Fakailoatonga
- Zac Shepherd
- Taine Roiri
- Ravuama Vuetanavanua
- Joe Faulalo
- Pita Halaifonua
- Dominic Bellars
- Liam McNamara
- Junior Laloifi
- Francis Pona
- Mone Ma’afu
- Alosio Bera
- Kitione Taliga
University
- Lachlan Pheely
- Jake Tierney
- Jethro Felemi
- Jacob Blyton
- Jack Brady
- Adam Korczyk
- William Rua
- Okaw Obonno
- Flynn McDermott
- Brad Twidale
- Niven Longopoa
- Tom Molloy
- James Simpson-Te Pairi
- Briaden Oates
- Kye Oates
