Eastern Suburbs coach Ben Batger believes his team faces an even tougher challenge in 2025 than they did last season, when the newly recruited coach took the Beasties from 10th to premiers.  The Beasties dominated the Shute Shield competition across both the grade and colts competitions last season and head into the 2025 season with a target on their backs. “We did a five week block before Christmas which was a little bit shorter than last year,” the coach told Rugby News.  “After the grand finals, I thought it was important to give them a bit of extra rest.  “To be honest, I think I've got a bigger challenge this year than I did last year.  "Heading into 2024, the club was coming off a disappointing season in first grade and with a new coach, everyone was really keen to prove a point.  “This year, it’s a bit different because we start the year as premiers. I think complacency is probably going to be one of our biggest challenges.” Batger won thr