By MARK CASHMAN

Rohan Saifoloi has a simple formula for how he wants to go about his business with Eastern Suburbs when the 2021 Shute Shield kicks off in a little under three weeks.

The 29-year-old well-travelled Manu Samoa representative has come back to Sydney from Brisbane for what could be his final crack at a bit of Shute Shield glory, this time with the Beasties.

Shute Shield types are more used to seeing him in the candy stripes of Southern Districts but as Saifoloi pointed out challenges come at you in a lot of different ways.

“I don’t want to be the hero,” Saifoloi told Rugby News this week of his mission at Woollahra Oval.

“I just want to work bloody hard, try and be consistent at training during the week and on game day and try and lead the boys around the field.

“When I say lead it’s just not talking things up on the field it’s about showing the way with my actions.”

Brisbane has a special place in Saifoloi’s family life but nagging away was the challenge of winning a Shute Shield.

“I’ve always followed the Shute Shield no matter where I have played and when Pauli (Easts coach Pauli Taumoepeau) contacted me to see if I was interested it was a challenge too attratrive not to take up,” Saifoloi added.

“Easts seem to have good systems in place and there is plenty of talent there at the club.

“I first got to know Pauli when he was assistant coach at the NSW Country Eagles in the NRC 2018 (under Darren Coleman) and we have stayed in touch every since.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of testing myself each week in the Shute Shield.”

Saifoloi has come close to glory having been part of the Souths side that got nudged out of the title by a couple of points by Sydney Uni back in 2012.

The past couple of seasons has seen him play at Brothers in Brisbane in the Hospital Challenge Cup, a stint that saw them win a minor premiership only to be beaten in the grand final by University of Queensland in 2019.

“Brothers was a blast, lots of good people there when worked hard, but nagging away at me was having that one last crack,” Saifoloi said.

“I’ve got family in Brisbane and it was big decision to head to Sydney but I am 29 now and I wanted to challenge myself in the environment in Sydney and I’m happy with that.”

He has collected a number of jerseys along the way having played senior footy at Souths, Tasman Makos in the Mitre 10 Cup, Greater Sydney Rams, Sydney Rays and the NSW Country Eagles.

His time touring with Manu Samoa side at the end of 2018 was a special experience.

“I didn’t get any time on the playing field but for five weeks I was able to soak up all the experience from guys who had played Super Rugby, in France, Japan and all over the place,” Saifoloi said.

“It was awesome that’s for sure and if I come back on to the radar I would love to have another crack at that level.

“Playing well at Easts though is the priority at the moment and as they say that sort of stuff will happen if I do the business each week in the Shute Shield.”

That business starts this week on Saturday when the Beasties take on Manly at Woollahra Oval in a series of trials.

I’m sure Saifoloi can’t wait to hit the go button.

IMAGE: BRENDAN HERTEL / QRU