Eastern Suburbs last gasp victory over Gordon last week saw the Beasties jump back into the top six but it will likely stand for nothing unless they beat an Eastwood side chasing the minor premiership at Woollahra Oval tomorrow. 

Presuming Gordon claim a bonus point victory over last placed Western Sydney, Easts will need to win to secure their spot in the playoffs. 

“We haven’t really focused on the fact it’s knockout footy. We know it is but we still want to enjoy playing,” coach Pauli Taumoepeau said. 

“I have to make sure my players enjoy what they’re doing and to do that we’ve simplified our attack menu and really given them a license to just play.”

That license helped scrum half Jack Grant scoot from the wrong side of a spinning scrum to score the match winner last week in a game that nearly got away from the pre-season competition favourites. 

“We moved on pretty quick from the Gordon game. There will be plenty of time to reflect on that effort and result after the season. 

“Eastwood are big and physical right across the park. We need to make sure we don’t give them too much front foot ball. 

“They’re really dangerous when they get it.”

While Taumoepeau still thinks his side can go on to win the 2019 premiership, they could potentially play Eastwood two weeks in a row, if the Woodies end up with a spot in the top two. 

Eastwood increased their chances of doing so with an impressive victory over Souths at Forshaw last weekend and will claim the minor premiership if they beat Easts and Warringah lose to the Rebels in the final round. 

“We played really good football for about 60 minutes against Souths and led 28-0 but then we relaxed for just a little bit and Souths punished us and scored three tries in 10 minutes,” Woodies coach Ben Batger said. 

“It was a good lesson for the team that you’ve got to play for the full 80 minutes.”

Batger welcomes back Enoka Muliufi, Kiti Ratu and Jed Gillespie into his starting side to face a young and talented Easts outfit. 

“They’re a good side with quality players all over the park. Names like Maddocks, Staniforth and Mason mean we have to be at our best to match them.

“They actually play a similar style to us so it should be a real tight and physical battle.”

A win on Saturday will see Eastwood finish first or second and play their opening finals match at their beloved TG Millner, something Batger thinks is a huge advantage as the club chases its first premiership since 2015. 

“The boys love playing at TG and I’ve noticed over the last few home games the people are starting to turn up in more numbers which means people are invested in this side.

“I think they’re staring to think that this team has the ability to go all the way.”

Photo: Serge Gonzales