By Jonathan B Geddes

EASTERN Suburbs successfully deployed a 140kg naval destroyer to help win the battle with Warringah and claim the Shute Shield premiership at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

Imposing No.8 Jimmy Hokafonu, who was originally recruited by Easts coach Ben Batger after being spotted playing social rugby with the Navy, made a huge impact in his side’s convincing grand final 31-15 win.

His standout performance was highlighted by crashing over two first-half tries, while his strong charges with the ball were instrumental in getting his side on the front foot.

“Jimmy was a colossus,” Batger told Rugby News amidst Easts’ jubilant celebrations after the win. “So super proud of him. I think it was about the 50-minute mark he decided he would step it up a gear, which is amazing for a 140kg player.”

 Hokafonu was still getting his head around his grand final double after the game.

“I can’t believe it, I had two (tries) the whole season, and to get two today was special,” he said. “This is my first (grand) final – it’s crazy, it’s a mad experience.”

Batger revealed he was tipped off about Hokafunu while coaching Eastwood.

“In 2022, a friend told me there’s this giant number eight playing muck around rugby for the Navy that could be a good footballer,” Batger said. “I rang him, got him down and now he ends up a grand final winner.”

Hokafunu said he had a rugby league background, playing with the Wentworthville Magpies before spending four and a half years in the Royal Australian Navy as a bosun’s mate, an experience he really enjoyed.

“I started playing rugby in the Navy, and then I played subbies for Drummoyne,” he said. “Ben hit me up for pre-season at Eastwood, and I jumped over.”

This season he followed Batger over to Woollahra – and what an acquisition he has proved for Easts.   

“He lifts the team every week, no matter what the scenario is,” Beasties’ warhorse skipper Josh Bokser said. “He’s been awesome for us week in, week out, and the cream rises to the top in finals, they say. And he’s part of that.

“I think the big man liked the grass today, he found another gear.”

But the 25-year-old wrecking ball could join the long list of talented Australian players recruited by an overseas club.

“I was in the MLR last year,” he said. And he is looking for another opportunity to continue his career offshore.

“If not, I’ll be back here,” he said.

TRUE GRIT

BATGER was delighted with his side’s performance, which highlighted the ongoing success of Easts’ rugby program and the coach’s prowess, as they claimed their second title in three years.

“They stuck really tough. We probably didn’t play at our best, but we got the job done when it mattered,” he said. “And I thought we just ran a little bit harder and tackled a little bit harder than them.”
While he said the whole team stood up, he made a point of also mentioning No.10 Chris Bell, who was recalled to the side in the last fortnight after an injury-ravaged season.    

“He came in and essentially only played the final two games,” Batger said. “So for him to come in and lead a team to victory is amazing.”

Bokser said his team’s victory was based on determination and grit.

“It comes down to nailing our basics, I suppose, and the boys just wanted to do it for each other,” he said.

“We had a hell of a training week and all the boys were frothing at the mouth, so I can’t complain about that.”

HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH

WARRINGAH coach Josh Holmes was gracious in defeat at the end of a very challenging campaign for the Rats, who defied the odds to reach the grand final.

“They were very good, better than us today and that’s the way the cookie crumbles,” he said.

Backrowers Luke Reimer and Zac Barnabas were again standouts for the Rats. 

It is a joke that Barnabas and his brother Zac have not been given an opportunity in Super Rugby AUS, at least, given their performances all season with Warringah.

The team had a debrief behind closed doors in their change room after the game.

“I just told them to hold their heads high, we achieved a lot,” Holmes revealed. “I said they should be super proud of themselves for what they have done this year and what they have done for the community.

“When everyone ruled us out and said we were done and dusted, we found another level, and we delivered.”