On the eve of Anzac Day, moments of reflection often begin with familiar names, those etched into honour boards, woven into club folklore, and passed down through generations. At Easts, one such piece of history hangs quietly on the wall: the framed jersey of the Team of the Century. Many of the names are instantly recognisable; Gavin, Emanuel, Brial, Payne. But tucked into the front row is one that invites a second look: Tarakan Jack. Who was Tarakan Jack? His real name was

Wallabies star Herbert Jones passes to Clarence Wallach during a NSW Waratahs match against the All Blacks in 1914. Both were killed in World War I. Photo: Sydney Mail This year carries extra significance for Easts Rugby. For the first time in over a decade, we are proud to be hosting our own Anzac Day ceremony at home, bringing our community together to honour those who served. We are privileged to be joined by the Rose Bay RSL Sub-Branch and the NSW Correctional Services Ba

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