Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to Grand Finals This Weekend

By Angus Hayman

It’s a huge weekend of rugby for Easts, with four grades all running out at Leichhardt Oval in high-stakes clashes. From heavyweight forward battles to backline fireworks, Saturday promises to deliver some of the season’s best rugby. Here’s your guide to every game.

First Grade vs Warringah Rats

If you only make it to one game this weekend, this is the one you don’t want to miss. Easts and the Warringah Rats share one of the fiercest rivalries in Sydney rugby, and after last year’s semi-final miracle where Darby Lancaster crossed after the bell to end Warringah’s season, it would be fair to say the Rats will be hungry for revenge.

The last time these two sides met, Easts came away with a thrilling 45–34 victory, with Cooper Whiteside scoring a staggering 20 points of his own. But finals footy is a different beast, and the Rats have circled this clash on their calendar since the fixtures dropped.

Archie Gavin

This game also features two mouth-watering matchups. On the flanks, the competition’s two most relentless ball-hunters go head-to-head: Easts’ Archie Gavin versus Warringah’s Zac Barnabas. Both men are ruthless over the breakdown, never miss a tackle, and thrive in games of this magnitude. Whoever wins that duel will give their side the upper hand in what promises to be a bruising contest.

And then there’s the battle of the boots: Cooper Whiteside up against Coby Miln. Whiteside has been Easts’ metronome all year, while Miln has been the Shute Shield’s leading point-scorer for two seasons running. Their duel won’t just be about accuracy off the tee; it’ll be about game control, territory, and the kind of composure only finals rugby demands. Expect the kicking game to shape the full 80 minutes. With history, revenge, and star matchups all on the line, this first-grade clash is set to light Leichhardt on fire. 

3.15pm Saturday Leichardt Oval

Cooper Whiteside

First Colts vs Randwick

Easts plan to storm Coogee Oval on Sunday afternoon to face the home side, Randwick, in the big dance. Randwick have been the standout side in 1st Colts this year, storming to the minor premiership with a massive 80 competition points and just two losses. Their reputation has been built on a ruthless attacking game, one that has seen them score more than 40 points a match in their last ten outings.

But Easts have shown they can trouble them. In their first clash of the season, the Beasties produced a commanding 35–18 victory. Randwick returned serve in the reverse fixture, winning 41–24, leaving the ledger balanced and Saturday’s decider wide open.

For Easts, the key lies in shutting down Randwick’s lethal wing duo of Tom Farr-Jones and Jozef Ah Kuoi, both proven finishers who thrive on quick, clean ball. Disrupting that supply will be crucial, and much of the responsibility will fall on Easts’ forward pack, led by second-rower Tom Girle. After an injury-disrupted season, Girle is back at full strength and ready to embrace finals footy. Asked how the squad was handling the week, he admitted nerves were there, but also belief.

 “Everyone feels nervous but confident going into the game,” he said. “Whilst Wicks secured the minor premiership, we’ve found some recent momentum after getting our cohesion and chemistry back. Having everyone return from representative honours and injuries has been massive.”

Tom Girle

When pressed on how Easts might contain Randwick’s free-flowing backline, Girle pointed to the set piece as the battleground. “If we can disrupt their set piece early and prevent their backline from getting quick ball, which is probably their strength, we give ourselves the best chance of stopping them from scoring points.”

But it won’t all be about defence. Girle stressed that Easts have weapons of their own if they can find rhythm in attack. “In open play, I think moving and shifting the ball early to create space will be effective,” he explained.

“This will tire them and open up the game as it progresses.” It’s a measured confidence from a player who knows how fine the margins can be in finals rugby. For Girle and his teammates, Saturday is about proving that even against the competition’s best, the reigning premiers cannot be written off.

2.30pm Sunday Coogee Oval

Third Grade vs Sydney Uni

The third graders are no strangers to grinding out results, and their last meeting with Sydney Uni proved just that. Easts edged a thrilling 15–14 win in a game that showed all the grit and resilience this squad has become known for.

Hooker Harvey McGregor, who has already had time in First Grade this year, will be key once again. The bustling front-rower loves a try and thrives in the physical exchanges.

The side’s maul has been the catalyst of their attack all season, with lineout generals Angus Arnott and Alex Rice leading the charge and creating havoc at the set piece.

Angus Arnott

But Sydney Uni won’t roll over easily. They boast serious firepower in their No. 8, Jack McCalman. With more than 100 First Grade games and a couple of Shute Shield titles under his belt, he knows exactly how to navigate knockout rugby.

This will be a brutal contest up front, with no love lost.

11am Saturday Leichardt Oval

Fourth Grade vs Manly Marlins

The day kicks off with Fourth Grade, where Easts meet the Manly Marlins in what promises to be an unpredictable clash. Manly had the upper hand in their most recent outing, running out 35 to 10 winners. But Easts took the honours in their first meeting of the season, which means Saturday is perfectly poised as the decider.

One man to watch is flanker Jack Ryan, part-time DJ, full-time impact player. Ryan’s influence off the field is just as strong as on it, and if Easts are to progress, his energy will be central to the side’s belief and performance.

Jack Ryan

Four massive clashes. One iconic venue. Leichhardt Oval will be buzzing on Saturday, and with so much on the line, you won’t want to miss a minute of it.

9.15am Saturday Leichardt Oval

Get your tickets here.

Book the Beastie Bus here.