Easts are out to continue their mid-season resurgence in Round 12 of the Hospital Challenge Cup and they’ll get the toughest test of their mettle yet when they take on GPS at Yoku Road.

With travel restrictions from Victoria lifted, the Tigers will be bolstered by Grand Final hero and Melbourne Rebel Rhys van Nek, who will partner Reds hooker Richie Asiata and John Paul Tominiko in the front row.

The scrum shapes as a defining factor in this one, with both sides renowned for their dominance at set-piece over the last few seasons.