Former Wallabies and Queensland Reds winger Sefa Naivalu has made a surprise try-scoring cameo for University of Queensland in the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup.
Naivalu may now be 34 but he showed plenty of his trademark speed to dash 40m for a second half try down the touchline in UQ's thrilling 31-all draw against Wests at St Lucia last Saturday.
Naivalu came on for the second half in jersey No.23 as a fresh replacement to aid UQ's comeback from a 17-0 deficit midway through the first half.
The former Test winger, who had his start with the Melbourne Rebels in 2015, is still playing professionally in France with Carcassonne in Pro Div 2. He returns to Brisbane as his home town after the season. A connection with UQ's Teti Tela and McKay prompted his recent appearance at Red Heavies' training.
"Sefa just wanted to come back and play a few games. We know he's not qualified for finals but he can be a valuable fill-in while we wait for several backs to return from injury," UQ coach Jim McKay.
"He enjoys the team environment and was good for us against Wests."
Veteran flanker Conor Mitchell scored the first of UQ's strike-back tries after 29 minutes. Halfback Flynn McDermott was pivotal in the lead-up with a smart inside ball and scored the next try himself to close the gap to 24-12 at half-time.
UQ grabbed a late lead at the 76-minute mark but the Bulldogs' freshly-tapped fight produced a penalty try from a maul to lock the scores at 31-all on full-time.
"We showed good qualities to hang in there and claw ahead. Our game management was a little disappointing in the final 10 minutes and that's an area we will continue to work on," McKay said.
"It's a good comp, isn't it? It's a tight race for the top four and there are some exciting weeks ahead."
The Red Heavies have jumped into the top four for the first time this season on 39 points. Either Easts (37) or premiers Bond University (35), who both have a game in hand, will jump ahead on Saturday depending on the winner of their clash at Bottomley Park. The match is guaranteed a great atmosphere with Easts' Ladies Day in full swing.
Brothers (56), Norths (46) and Wests (42) fill the top three spots. The dangerous Souths Magpies are a wildcard on 35 in seventh.
UQ have a bye this weekend before finishing with games against Souths, GPS and runaway leaders Brothers.
In last weekend's other matches, Souths beat Sunnybank 54-47 in a frantic 17-try fest at Chipsy Wood Oval, Norths kept hold of second place with a 43-38 win over GPS and Brothers shaded Easts 24-21.
