By TOM PRIMMER

Easts v Sunnybank | David Wilson Field | 3:05pm

Easts have been crowned the team to beat this year, and after Hospital Cup and Australian Club Championship wins in their last two outings, the Tigers are high on confidence this season.

Their side will take on a different shape this season, with veterans Aidan Toua, Michael Gunn and Ben Mowen retiring and star front rower Rhys van Nak taking up a Super Rugby contract with the Rebels.

Mowen’s retirement sees Tom Milosevic assume his position as both captain and No.8, while the exciting Alex Smit will get first crack at the No.7 jersey.

Eli Pilz is back at scrumhalf after a standout 2020 campaign, with Jack Frampton and Dylan Taikato-Simpson providing spark at flyhalf and fullback respectively.