Eastern Suburbs' affinity with the Central West is no secret and that's why Jack Grant thinks the club's commitment to the region, which continues with the Beasties' third annual Beach to Bush Regional Round on June 1, is so vital, and exciting.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Beasties' ranks are littered with products of the region, have been for some time, but that's gone to another level in terms of Easts' Intrust Super Shute Shield outfit so far in 2019.
Including the in-form, 25-year-old halfback, there's been no less than six regulars in Easts' top grade side that are products of colour city or, at the very least, Orange-based schools.
We all see how much work he puts in off the field ... it's a good reward.
- Easts' Jack Grant, on fellow Orange product Dan Donato
Of course Grant is an Orange City junior as is Dan Donato, while Cody Walker, Ned Yeomans and Archie Hall are all ex-Kinross stars, and Ryan McCauley is a product of Calare Public School.
If Easts coach Pauli Taumoepeau continues the trend there's a real chance all six could enjoy a homecoming against the so-far resurgent Gordon Highlanders next month, although for Walker and McCauley is does rely on their NSW Waratahs commitments too.
"We've always had a lot of guys from the country but right now it seems like they're all from Orange and just around there, there is a lot in our side at the moment and that's definitely a good thing," Grant said.
He went on to heap praise on Donato too, who won a gig on Easts' wing after plying his trade and earning his stripes in the club's colts, then lower grades.
He's more than found his feet too. Grant went as far as saying Donato's been one of the side's best through their opening six games.
While they had the bye last weekend, Donato's brace in the Beasties' 29-27 win over competition leaders Eastwood the week before is proof enough of how well he's found his feet.
"I [do] think Dan's been one of our best so far this year and it's been really good to see him get a crack because we all see how much work he puts in off the field, so it's a good reward for him and he's done really well," Grant said of his fellow Lions' junior.
Grant's form has been irresistible this year too, a constant in the Beasties' somewhat sporadic start to the season, which has them sitting sixth.
Although diminutive Grant's been one of the side's biggest threats, scoring four tries so far this season as his stocks continue to rise, having won an Emerging Waratahs spot earlier this year.
Grant also picked up a rare honour in Easts' Anzac Day defeat to Randwick, winning the club's Clarence Wallach Medal following the 23-15 defeat at Coogee Oval.
"Obviously you'd prefer to get the win but it is nice to get those individual rewards, especially being such a prestigious one," Grant said.
He's still just focusing on Easts' title bid though, despite many suggesting he's in the mix in terms of taking the next step.
"We've started to get back on track in the last couple of weeks and I think a lot of that has to do with everyone taking a bit more responsibility in their roles," Grant said.
- MORE IN RUGBY: 'We owe it to Josh': Lions preparing to cite Cowra player after Tremain hospitalised
- MORE IN RUGBY: Better the Red Devil, you know: Oxley putting faith in Harden quartet in 2019 Caldwell Cup bid
- MORE IN RUGBY: Thomas opens door for Newcastle-Hunter's would-be Cockatoos despite country week boycott
"I think taking the next step to the higher level is the goal for everyone playing at this level.
"If I'm lucky enough I'll take the opportunity but I'll just keep trying to play good footy and let anything like that take care of itself."
June 1's Shute Shield clash will be played from 3pm and is the televised game, with Orange City's Blowes CLothing Cup local derby against Orange Emus to be played afterwards under lights at Wade Park.
There is also a number of lower grade and women's match-ups sprinkled across the weekend at various different grounds in an absolute smorgasbord of rugby union, with details to be confirmed for those games.
Eastern Suburbs take on the Western Sydney Two Blues at Lidcombe Oval in round eight this weekend, from 3pm.
WANT MORE ORANGE AND REGIONAL SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...