Eastern Suburbs have been in the mix in recent years but haven’t quite been able to convert at the back end of the season.

New coach Simon Kneebone has added some talented Kiwis and a former Super Rugby centre to a squad that at full strength is arguably the best in the competition on paper.

Overview with Simon Kneebone:

“We’re excited to get the opportunity to get out there and finally play some rugby again. The group is excited and has been training really hard. We start with a really good challenge against Norths, which we’re really looking forward to,” Kneebone told Rugby News. 

“The trial we played against Norths was a bit of an eye opener for me. It was my first experience of Shute Shield rugby and there were a lot of big men, playing at speed, which was really impressive to see. 

“We probably let ourselves down a little in that game. We used a few different combinations and trialed some players from second grade. 

“The following week, we played West Harbour. They were another big pack, it seems to be the trend in this competition. 

“We took a big step forward in that game and were a lot more accurate, which was pleasing. All in all, I’ve been really happy with our trial period. 

“Managing our squad will be a challenge throughout the season. The club is blessed to have seven or eight players at the Waratahs, it’s fantastic for them and for the club. 

“It sort of segments our season into two rounds and that’s the way we’re looking at it. We’ll deal with adding those guys back into the group when the time comes, but there’s no point worrying about that now. 

“As a new coach, I don’t come in with any biases or opinions, which I think will help with selection. The player that earns the jersey will be the one that gets picked each week whether they are Waratahs or not. 

“We want to create a really competitive environment so that the players that are working the hardest, end up earning the jerseys. 

2021 position (after 10 rounds): 3rd – 7 wins from 10 matches

Ins: Charles Elton (New Zealand), Reon Lowery (New Zealand), Maka Mafile’o (New Zealand), Ethan Simpson (New Zealand), Luke Glenn (New Zealand), Jordan Jackson-Hope (Japan), Ahmu Tuimalealiifano (Gordon). 

Outs: Jack Digby (England), James Donato (Italy), Daniel Donato (Italy), Irie Papuni (Western Sydney), Kalafi Pongi (Western Sydney), Rohan Saifoloi (MLR). 

What style of rugby will Easts play this year? 

“I’ve certainly challenged the group to change the way we play from last year. That isn’t taking anything away from what Pauli (Taumoepeau) did, we’ll still rely heavily on the skillset that was drilled into the boys. 

“We want to play a more expansive game this year right across the field. We’re not the biggest pack in the competition. We saw against Norths, they have big men running hard down the middle of the field. We can play like that, but I think we’ll have more impact by moving the ball around. 

“It’s going to be a challenge because we’ve tried to do a lot in a short period of time. It’s certainly not perfect yet but I do think we’re getting closer and closer every week. 

Player(s) to watch: 

“I’ve been really impressed by a young flyhalf who has come out of Scots College named Jack Bowen. He’s in the Australian U20s squad and is really impressive. 

“You very rarely meet a young man who is talented and passionate about rugby but also has a really mature head on his body, particularly for an 18-year old. 

“He’s been really special and I see a massive future for him not just for Easts but also for Australian rugby. 

“We’ve also got a young lock coming out of colts named Byron Sutherland. He’s also in the Australian U20s squad and has a big future ahead of him. 

“Everyone knows the skillset that Jordon Jackson-Hope has. He’s an excitement machine and has plenty of pace. I’ve also been really impressed with Ahmu Tuimalealiifano out wide. 

“We’ve also got Faalelei Sione back. He didn’t end up going to the MLR and he’s a natural leader, as is Deak Oakman Hunt, who will skipper the side.”

Bold prediction for the season ahead: 

“Easts have always been in and around the finals and we’re all very aware that they haven’t been able to climb that final peak in the past few years. 

“We’re going to take things one week at a time. I’ve got my eyes wide open and I’m really looking forward to my first season coaching in the Shute Shield. 

“I’m confident that we’ll be in the final eight, then we should have some Waratahs to come back into the team. Who knows what will happen from there.”