By MARK CASHMAN

Eastern Suburbs coach Pauli Taumoepeau has called on his Shute Shield regulars to take the lead hand when they Beasties take on Sydney Uni in a critical game on Saturday.

Taumoepeau has been able to call three Waratahs into his side for the game against the Students with lock Tom Staniforth, centre Lalakai Foketi and outside back Alex Newsome now available.

The game will be season changing for the home side with a win over Uni, who sit above them on the competition table, essential to make the most of the past month.

Easts started the season slowly but only really started to show their true form against Northern Suburbs at home early last month.