Around the grounds: Premier rugby results down to the wire

Super Rugby journeyman Nick Jooste showed his super boot in a thrilling draw between Norths and Sunnybank, with fellow U20s graduate Reece Hewat at no. 8 for Norths.

Promising Reds prop Harry Hoopert started at loosehead for Brothers, in a tough opening round loss for his side.

Utility back Lachlan Maranta scored a try for Wests in a win over Bond Uni, with Moses Sorovi at halfback and Bond featuring highly-rated lock Angus Blyth.

Former Reds scrumhalf Scott Gale starred for UQ, with a hat-trick in a narrow win over Easts, a side captained by ex-Aussie Sevens player Con Foley.

It will be another week before Quade Cooper makes his return to Queensland Premier Rugby official, with Souths having the bye in round one.

Cooper played in a preseason trial game for the club, starring in that clash.

RESULTS

UQ 29 - Easts 27

Brothers 0 - GPS 29

Sunnybank 27 - Norths 27

Bond University 25 - Wests 32

Souths - Bye