Eastern Suburbs were spoken about as potential competition favourites last summer and took plenty of confidence into the 2023 season. 

But things didn’t quite click for Simon Kneebone’s side, in his second and final season at the success stared club. 

Overview with Simon Kneebone: 

“It was a really disappointing year considering all the planning and all the work we put into it. We certainly didn’t expect things to play out as they did,” Kneebone told Rugby News. 

“Whilst the results weren’t there, I do think we saw some good development from certain players and that is pleasing but results are what the club and what I was after and we didn’t get them. It was very disappointing. 

“Last year was a big learning curve for myself and the other assistant coaches in our first year in the competition. This year, we built our forward pack up quite a bit and I think that’s the way you’ve got to do it in the Shute Shield. 

“We started the season well but when injuries ripped through the club in certain positions, we probably didn’t have enough depth in areas. We blooded 24 debutants this year and that always presents a challenge when you can’t field the same team two weeks in a row. 

“We lost Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen for long periods with the Australian U20s but we knew that was going to be the case and as a club, we should have had the depth to cover those two players. 

“They are tremendous talents and I think they’ll both go a long way in their careers. We certainly missed the speed that Teddy and Jack play with when they’re together. 

“I thought the guys that stepped up and took their spots did a great job throughout the year but it’s always a challenge when you lose two young talented players in key positions. 

“I saw a lot of growth in Jack when he came back from the Warartahs and especially when he came back from the 20s World Cup. Teddy, I really can’t speak more highly enough. He’s a terrific player and an even better person. Australian rugby has a real good one there. 

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

“I think Ben (Batger) will have a real impact with this group. I know he’s got a certain style around how he wants to coach and I think the Beasties will react well to that,” Kneebone said of newly appointed first grade coach Ben Batger. 

“I think the key thing is to continue building depth. Last year the club was very successful in winning four grand finals and we lost a big chunk of experience across second and third grade after that. That needs to be built back up. 

“I also think it’s pretty obvious that there are a few positions in the squad where the club will need to recruit. Our backline wasn’t as strong as it was when we had guys like Jordan Jackson-Hope and so forth in the backs, so there are a few holes there that I’m sure Ben will look to fill. 

“The culture and the atmosphere at the club is very, very strong and I think it’s just a matter of time before it happens at Easts. 

“To win the Shute Shield, everything has to click 90-95% of the tine and unfortunately for Easts, during my two years we never got close to that.”

Is there a player at your club ready to take the next step in their career? 

“I’ve been super impressed with Archie Gavin since the day I arrived at Easts. He’s a quality young man, he bleeds red, blue and white and he’ll do anything for the club. 

“He’s got a massive future going forward. He still works 50 hours a week as an electrician and trains for the rest of it and he’s as committed as anyone at the club. 

“Young Julien Heaven at hooker is another who I think will push into a professional environment in the next two years. He’s got the desire to do it and the game to back it up. 

“We also had a young player in Blake Rixon who had an outstanding season for us on the wing. He was in and out of first grade last year but I think in 2023, he became one of the best outside backs in the competition in both attack and defence. 

“He’s heading over to take an opportunity in Portugal over summer, then he’ll return for the Beasties.”

What can we expect in 2024? 

“It’ll be no different to any other season, the board and the club are extremely committed to winning a title,” Kneebone continued. 

“I know Ben will have some fresh ideas and a fresh approach and hopefully that revitalises a few players. I know he’ll bring a few players in as well and it’ll be interested to see what impact that has. 

“As an outgoing coach, I think being in the top four is probably the standard that the club deserves and probably demands. If you can get to those semi finals, then anything can happen and I look forward to cheering Easts on when they win a competition very soon.”