By MARK CASHMAN

Eastern Suburbs’ hopes of wining their first Shute Shield since 1969 have copped a major blow with the news that their big No.8 Rob Leota will miss the rest of the season.

Leota, who joined the Beasties Shute Shield campaign in the later stages of the home and away season from Melbourne, broke his ankle in one of the final plays of the 29-20 loss to Eastwood at Pittwater Rugby Park on Sunday.

Easts play Gordon on Saturday at 1.30pm at Rat Park in the first of the grand final qualifiers and have been able to bring the experienced Sam Shires into their back row to join Charlie Gamble and Dean Oakman-Hunt.