By Angus Hayman Brian “Billy” Melrose doesn’t hide from the truth of his situation. In fact, he leans into it. After two years helping reshape Eastern Suburbs’ rugby program, the highly respected coach has found himself in unfamiliar territory this season, no longer on the grass each week, no longer directly steering first grade, but instead working in a consultant-style role that, by his own admission, wasn’t part of the original plan. “It wasn’t my choice to stop coaching,”

At every rugby club, there’s the action you see and the effort you don’t. The tries, the tackles, the roar of the crowd. And then, just beyond the spotlight, there are the people who quietly make it all possible. At Easts, our volunteers are the unsung heroes of the club. They’re the first to arrive and the last to leave. No fanfare, no fuss. Just a quiet understanding that without them, game day simply wouldn’t happen. There’s volunteers like Bob, methodically filling water

Get your team together, our Winter Touch competition is back, and spots are limited! We have only 8 team slots available, so don’t miss out. How to enter: Organise your team and register using the link below Complete payment to secure your spot Team requirements: Squads of 12+ players Minimum 3 female players on the field at all times After the game: Head over to The Field Bar to enjoy exclusive food and drink deals with your teammates. 👉 Register your team here .  Lock in

By Angus Hayman “It truly felt like the right spot for me at the time,” said Dan, and how right he was. From the moment he joined the Colts as a player in 2016, Dan felt like he had found a home at Easts. He arrived seeking growth as a player, but ultimately, Dan developed into a leader and mentor. “I quickly knew this was where I wanted to be,” he reflects. “And now, looking back, I can see how much it has shaped me, both on and off the field. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Dan