Hello from the other side: Souths coach Jai Ayoub prepares for first clash against Eastwood
By Matt Findlay
With a long, storied history at the club the name Jai Ayoub is firmly etched in Eastwood folklore, not least because of the famous drop goal he kicked to seal the side’s 15-14 Shute Shield grand final win over Manly, their second consecutive premiership.
That history will have another chapter added at Forshaw Park on Saturday afternoon, but this time Ayoub will be on the other side of the fence, and in different colours.
Having linked with Southern Districts to assist head coach Don Mackinnon and also mentor the Rebels’ second grade, Colin Caird Shield outfit, Ayoub will come up against his old club for the first time this weekend.
“It’ll be interesting, a little bit strange I guess because I know a lot of the Eastwood guys personally but I’m looking forward to it,” Ayoub said.
The now 32-year-old explained he was initially contacted by Souths’ assistant coach Michael Black, a close personal friend, to see if he’d be interested in returnin