By MARK CASHMAN

Eastern Suburbs can look back on their 2021 Shute Shield season with a feeling of what could have been.

After 10 rounds the Beasties were looking pretty impressive and with some pretty handy troops on their way back from Super Rugby they were part of any conversation about who would challenge the Sydney Uni juggernaut.

The pandemic brought that all to a halt and their impressive playing group, not surprisingly, has taken up offers around the world.

Coach Pauli Taumoepeau among that group after getting “kicked upstairs” to link with Darren Coleman at the Waratahs in 2022.

Here’s what Taumoepeau thoughts about the season just been and would could have been.

All the numbers

Played: 10
Won: Seven
Lost: Three
Points for: 297
Points Against: 246
Differential: +51
Bonus Points: Seven
Competition Points: 35
Position: Third

What was the best part of the 2021 journey?

“Like always it’s the relationships you form. We added a few new guys to the family this year and I thought each one of them added positively to the fabric of the place.

“I was really impressed with the group this year. Seemed a more mature group than I’ve ever had at Easts.”

What was the worst part?

“Obviously COVID hitting and stopping the competition. On a selfish level I thought we were looking decent and we’re about to add some strong personnel to the group.

“On a more community level we all got something stolen from us – the sense of community that rugby creates through a clubhouse or just banding together watching each other play.”

Who was your “go to” player in the Shute Shield squad?

“I had a few. The beauty about a maturing side is that you can “go to” a few guys rather than just dump it on one person. Guys like Jack Digby, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Vuni Fifita, Faalelei Sione, Rohan Saifoloi and Nick Jooste all had an important role to play.”

If the season played out who would have played in the grand final?

“I’d like to think us. Uni though looked the goods when it all stopped.”

Is the appointment of Darren Coleman at the Waratahs good for the Shute Shield?

“I think it’s positive in a lot of ways. Proves that there is a pathway for aspiring coaches through our competition. His understanding around the issues faced by the people in club land and how it relates to the next level would be better than most.”

What needs to happen between now and round one next year? 

“There’ll be a few changes at Easts. So I’m hoping there is some continuity of some sort amongst the playing group cause I liked where it was heading.”

Which players do you expect to go on to bigger and better things next year? 

“Blake Rixon is a name you don’t hear of often enough. I like how he plays. I like what he adds to the group. Max Patterson is another one to watch out for. Young centre coming through, left foot, ball playing ability is strong.

Bold prediction for 2022: 

“I have two. First, COVID will not break the competition and secondly Easts will win it.”

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON