Easts will enter the 2026 Hospital Cup season looking to build on a breakout campaign under head coach Simon Craig, after falling one game short of the grand final last year.

The Tigers finished second in 2025 before losing 47–14 to Bond in the preliminary final, marking a significant improvement after finishing second last the year prior.

With a squad now exposed to finals rugby, Craig said the focus had shifted to taking the next step.

Overview with Simon Craig:

“We were very happy with the year,” Craig told Rugby News.

“It was a massive step forward from 2024. We went from second last to second, so that’s a credit to everyone involved. That’s proven to the boys that they’re good enough and that we are heading in the right direction.

“We probably fell away a bit at the end, but it takes a bit of luck to win these things. Bond had all their players available and picked up extras from the Reds, while we lost four or five players and had a few injuries at the wrong time.

“Going into the semis, we only had two players who had played finals footy. Now we’ve got a whole squad that’s experienced it.

“Finals are a different beast – you’ve got to be more clinical and more desperate, and we probably weren’t clinical enough in key moments.

“It’s been a good preseason. We’ve had strong numbers. The boys are keen and hungry to go one or two steps further.

“Our retention rate was about 85–90%, and we’ve added some quality players who will feature this year.”

2025: 2nd (lost to Bond 14-47 in preliminary final)

Ins: Gordy Lloyd (New Zealand), Ed Fidow (MLR), Brad Wilkin (MLR), Vilikesa Raboiliki (Souths), Hamaua Samasoni (New Zealand), Liam Wright (Reds), Seru Uru (Reds), Duane Aholelei (West Harbour Pirates), Will Nason (Wests), Tim Naivaluwaqa (Brumbies)

Outs: Tom Fowler (Hong Kong), Meli Drue (Manly Marlins), Andrew Ready (retired)

What sort of rugby will we see from Easts this year?

“Very similar to last year, but we want to be a bit more inventive and precise with our attack,” Craig said.

“Last year we were probably very forward dominant. This year we want to be a bit more expansive and create opportunities through our backs.

“We don’t want teams to know exactly how we’re going to score – we want to be a bit less predictable.”

Player(s) to watch:

“Brad Wilkin is looking good,” Easts’ head coach said.

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

“Easts and Bond,” Craig said.