The return of former New Zealand Sevens ace Luke Masirewa has given Wests a major boost as they chase the men's crown at the State 7s Championships at Ballymore Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
Masirewa starred for the Bulldogs when they opened the three-leg Stannard Shield series with victory at the BrisVegas 7s at Wests.
He was missing with back soreness two weeks ago for the Gold Coast 7s when University of Queensland knocked out Wests 15-10 in the semi-finals en route to winning the tournament.
Masirewa, 31, was influential at No.8 for the Bulldogs in the Hospital Cup earlier this season but his sweet spot is sevens with the greater space for his skills and dynamism.
He played on and off for the NZ sevens team between 2013 and 2021, including fourth place at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast as well as tournament wins around the world.
"Luke's skills in sevens are amazing," Wests club captain Edan Zaupa said.
"He's a valuable player to have back in our side. He got one-on-one on the edge, stepped and offloaded to set up a key try in the final against UQ when we won the BrisVegas 7s.
"UQ got one back on us on the Gold Coast. We're in good shape if we meet again and we have high hopes going into the State 7s."
The Bulldogs will miss unavailable former Queensland Reds spark Moses Sorovi but do get back the speed of Chris Humphris for this first time in the series.
UQ (34 points), Wests (32) and Bond University (30) lead the Stannard Shield standings heading into this final weekend at Ballymore.
In the women's competition, GPS (46), UQ (44) and Easts (42) are the main contenders for the Caslick Cup which will be settled by who succeeds in the State 7s.
The women's teams are benefitting from some savvy short-term recruiting and the Australian Under-18s, from Queensland and NSW, committing to teams.
For example, young flyer Darci Turinui will suit up for Easts beside the smooth-stepping Charli Nikola.
For the State 7s, UQ have picked up ACT Brumbies spark Bonnie Brewer while pacy Melita Hicks returns to play beside high-performers like Taleah Ackland and Caitlin Irwin.
For the Gold Coast 7s, UQ had Wallaroo speedster Desiree Miller scooting on the wing for a one-off tournament. She scored a hat-trick in a win over Bond Uni.
"Having players come in from interstate has really made it a high quality series," said UQ coach Nat Wright, the 2025 Wallaroo halfback having a spell from playing during this series.
"We'll put out a strong side at the State 7s. The strength of the comp is that there are quite a few clubs who can win it."
GPS won the Gold Coast 7s. Next Gen 7s player Emmisyn Wynyard and the returning Zoe Waters are amongst the high performers alongside Amelia Whitaker, a real game-changer.
In the Caslick Cup, classy Next Gen 7s player Rhani Hagan will lead the Indigenous 7s challenge.
Indigenous teams are also being fielded in U15s girls and U17s girls on this bumper weekend with 52 teams in all competing from juniors through to seniors.
