By Jonathan B Geddes

NSW Super Rugby halfback Teddy Wilson has paid a heartfelt tribute to his club Eastern Suburbs  after starring in their 45-34 win over Warringah on Saturday.

“I wouldn’t be playing for the Waratahs or other teams without Easts,” Wilson told Rugby News after the victory at Rat Park.

“Easts means a lot to me, so every time I can get back down and play for the Beasties it’s a great feeling.”             

Not only was Wilson running around with his beloved Shute Shield club on Saturday, he also reunited with his talented brother Harry who played No.12.

One of the rising stars of Australian rugby, Wilson made a big impact in the top of the table clash which secured Easts the minor premiership.

He played 52 minutes on Saturday after 10 minutes the week before against Eastwood and was chuffed to pull on the famous red, white and blue  jumper again.

“It’s unreal, this was my first proper game for this year so it was a really exciting day to be back in the colours for Easts,” Wilson said.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without Easts. I moved to Easts straight after I finished school, played Colts and worked my way through the grades.

FAMILY TIES 

“I actually got to play with my brother again for the first time in over a year so I was looking forward to this day,” Wilson said.

“He was overseas for a bit in Wales and it’s good to be back playing with him and a special moment for our family – they get to come and watch both of us play.   

“It was obviously a big match-up against the Ratties as well so to come out on top was a really special day.

“It was a good performance and we are proud of it but there is still definitely a lot to work on going in the finals.”    

It is a huge boost for Easts coach Ben Batger to have a player of Wilson’s calibre back at Woollahra.       

“At this level he’s an amazing player and is a really popular teammate as well,” Batger said. “I always like having brothers in the team for whatever reason.

“Harry is a very good player and I don’t think he will be in the Shute Shield for long, but we’ll take him while he is here.”  

When Wilson came off in the second half he was replaced with another NSW No.9, Jack Grant.

“He’s (Grant) been a good Shute Shield player for 10 years, played 40 Super Rugby games and we are very lucky we have that luxury,” Batger said.

BEASTS UNLEASHED 

EASTS’ win reinforced their credentials as competition favourites with a display where they had to overcome a spirited second half fightback from the second-placed Rats.

Batger saw plenty of positives in his side’s performance against another strong contender.  

“It was better than what we have been producing,” he said.

“You get the Sir Roden Cutler Shield and I’m pretty sure we locked away the minor premiership so that is a good feeling as coach.

“We still probably had that little second half slump again but they (Warringah) are a quality opposition.

“They were going to strike at some stage and we were able to hold them off – so we got better but are still not at our best.”

Batger said his team’s attack was efficient and their defence hung in while conceding 34 points.

He said Warringah were a  very tough team to beat and Easts always have tight games against them.

“They are a quality opposition but that top six looks really tough. I think there are a number of teams there that can really do some damage,’’ Batger said.      

The coach of the defending premiers said the minor premiership was a reward for the team’s efforts this season. 

“It effectively doesn’t get you anything but it is a nice pat on the back that you have worked hard and you’ve been the best team for 18 rounds,” Batger said.

“It is something but not the major prize.”

Batger said the club’s non-Super players deserve a lot of credit for their position.

TAH TAH TAHS

THE team will be without several of their Waratahs Super stars for the remainder of this campaign.

Jack Bowen (groin), Jamie Adamson (broken thumb) and Julian Heaven (left for the UK) are out for the season. 

Easts are also unlikely to see Charlie “The Lion Tamer” Gamble, Fergus Lee-Warner and Miles Amaterseo who are all injured, although Batger is keeping his fingers crossed they may become available.

“I know a lot of people said we are stacked with Waratahs but it is a little bit deceiving,” he said.