Club rugby’s quiet achievers help Easts to defence of Shute Shield minor premiership

Few but the most dedicated club rugby followers had even heard of them pre-season. But these loyal clubmen have got this famous club into the Shute Shield final series - not their star teammates

Easts player Jonny Van Der Velde. Picture Supplied.

They have the most star-studded team list in the Shute Shield competition with an abundance of Waratahs guns, Junior Wallabies and prospective Wallabies.

But it a group of players few knew pre-season who have helped steer Eastern Suburbs to their defence of the Shute Shield minor premiership.

With two rounds still to play, Easterns Suburbs have nabbed the minor premiership again but mostly without the aid of their leading lights caught up with Super Rugby or international commitments.

Instead, it’s a small band of loyal club men - including players who were last season running round in 3rd grade or 1st Colts and only dreaming of playing Shute Shield - who have provided the power, passion and grit to get Easts to the top of the leaderboard this seasons.

“We can’ be beaten now for the minor premiership so that’s a great thing,’’ said coach Ben Batger

“It a little different from last year where we had Teddy (Wilson) and Jack (Bowen) and Jamie (Adamson) consistency.,

“This year we have just had some very good and loyal club players carrying the torch.’’

Batger said players like halfback Jonny Van Der Velde, a relocated Christchurch player now living and working in Sydney and who played third grade last season, have stepped up for Easts to become the backbone of their success in 2025.

Easts player Jonny Van Der Velde. Picture Supplied.

No 9 Van Der Velde, who has a mild hip flexor injury, has played 13 games as a cover for Wilson and Grant, despite never intending to even play rugby this season due to work commitments.

“I wasn’t 100 per cent sure I was keen to take on the commitment,’’ said the 29-year-old.

“I played first grade the first year I was here at Gordon and then the first year I was at Easts and knew the time commitment.

“But I have friends in the group and figured I would be down watching it most weekends anyway so I thought I might as well play.’’

Sama Malolo of Moana Pasifika is tackled by Taniela Tupou (L) and Jack Grant of the Waratahs during round eight of Super Rugby Pacific. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

Van Der Velde said he has no issue stepping aside as finals loom and with the imminent return of Waratahs guns who are uninjured and available for selection

“I’m a little older than the others so I’m happy to contribute,’’ he said

Heading into round 17, Easts have been beaten just once this season - by Randwick - although the side have had a number of close calls with rivals.

On 74 points, they are ahead of Warringah 64, the Hunter Wildfires 60, Eastwood 57, Norths 54 and Randwick 52 on the competition ladder.

While their first place finish is locked in, there is plenty of potential for movement in the battle to make the final six heading into finals after next week’s 18th round.

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