Eastern Suburbs won just about everything last year, except for a first grade premiership.

Simon’s Kneebone stacked first grade side struggled early in the season but won four of their last five regular season matches. They lost a tight one to Norths in the final round, then fell short against Eastwood in the opening round of the playoffs.

At full strength, Easts have the Shute Shield’s best side on paper with a number or 2022 premiership winning second grade and colts players also pushing for spots in first grade.

Could it be time for the Beasties to end their 53-year Shute Shield drought?

Overview with Simon Kneebone:

“I’m reasonably happy with where we are at. It’s been a very long preseason and we’ve had guys that have been working really hard for a long time and they’re very ready to get into it,” Kneebone told Rugby News. 

“We spent a lot of time reflecting on last season as coaches. The club obviously had a tremendously successful year, which was pleasing. 

“We were also able to change the way we played. With the personnel we had, we started to come good towards the backend of the season, but our start really cost us. 

“To go deep into this competition, you need to bank points in the early rounds and that will be our first focus this season.

“It’s a fantastic competition and I probably naively didn’t think it would be as competitive as it was last year. I learnt pretty quickly that on their day, any team can win. 

“My belief is that guys play rugby for enjoyment first and foremost so we always want to use the ball. That hasn’t changed and that’s different to the way some of the other teams play. 

“Now, reservedly, I’ve realised that we have to be able to play two styles of rugby and tighten things up at times. 

“I also thought our set piece let us down at times, so we’ve been working really hard on that part of our game. If we can get that right, then we’re confident that our shape and our style of play will get us to where we want to be.

“In terms of what we’re looking to do this year, we’re sticking to our guns because I know we’ve got the quality to play this style of rugby. It’s full steam ahead. 

“We’ve got 30 young men pushing into grade from colts and we’ve had a selection of those guys training really hard with us over summer. Most of them are born and bred Beasties who have been at the club all their lives, so that’s fantastic, then we’ve sprinkled in a few other players in certain positions.  

“Those guys had success in colts last year and they’ve joined our second grade players who also won a premiership in 2022. The excitement is high and there is a lot of competition for positions. 

“We’re super lucky to have a number of quality players currently with the Waratahs. One of the things I learnt very quickly last year was that you can’t count your chickens and expect to get those players back. 

“If you do get them back, then that’s great and you’ve got to find a way to work those guys into the system.  

“That lifts the standard of the entire program and creates even more competition for spots, which I think is good for everyone.” 

2022: Semi finalists – Lost to Eastwood 36-23 in week one.

Ins: Joel Cobb (Auckland), Jack Hill (England), Harry Craven (England), Lewis Ponini (Eastwood), Joel Broadhurst (Wests Brisbane). 

Outs: Jordan Jackson Hope (MLR), Charles Elton (MLR), Sam Fogarty (Amsterdam). 

What style of rugby can we expect from Easts this year? 

“We want to sit in the middle of being able to play a forward dominant set piece style game, while also being able to use our skills out wide.  

“We were really successful late last season with our counter attack by allowing the guys to express themselves and that won’t change. 

“We’ve been working really hard on our skillset so that our players can execute under fatigue and the 35 degree days we’ve had lately have been great for working on that.”

Player(s) to watch:

“I don’t like to single guys out but I guess I have to here,” Kneebone said. 

“We’ve had Julien Heaven back at the club over summer after he spent the last few years playing in France. He’s a hooker with huge potential. 

“I also think when Zane Marolt returns from the Waratahs, he’ll have a big impact in the Shute Shield.  

“Our skipper this year is Archie Gavin. He’s had a big offseason and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can produce this season.  

“You don’t always see guys jump from colts into first grade like Jack Bowen and Teddy Wilson did last year.

“In saying that, there are probably three or four young guys putting their hand up to do that for us again this year. 

“Ollie Little is a fullback who had a stint at the Force over summer. He’s back and pushing pretty hard for a spot in our top side. 

“We’ve also got a young lock Digby Lilburne who has had a massive offseason and is progressing really well. 

“There are a few other young guys who are pushing for first grade spots and it’s adding more competition which is great to see.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final and why?

“It’s a tough one and it could be anyone to be honest,” Kneebone said. 

 “Sydney Uni set the standard last year and we know that technically they’ll be very good again. 

“I was also really impressed with everything I saw from Eastwood last year and I think they’ll be back in the mix.  

“Then I think the dark horse is probably Randwick. Looking on paper, they are due to for a big year. 

“They are the three we’ll be watching closely, amongst everyone else. The Two Blues also look strong again which is great to see. 

“For us, we’re very clear with what we want to achieve this year and I’m confident we’ll be right in the mix at the pointy end of the season.”