What a way to close out an insane year. On the biggest stage, under the worst sky, the competition's best went to work. We'll keep it short and sharp - let's dive in.

Eastern Suburbs v Warringah
Easts def Rats 31-15

On what was a disgustingly hot day out at Leichhardt the stage was set for a rematch of the 2025 grand final. The two juggernauts going head-to-head – what more could you want? Rats were off to a flier. Cult hero Tom Gee (whizz), taking a hard-earned breather on the wing, found himself with a cross-field kick headed his way. In a display of raw power and the prowess of a Russian ballerina, he fended, spun and plopped over the line. From fourth grade to first grade and the opening score of the game. If you took a pulse check in the week leading into the game, the general consensus was it was Easts’ to lose. They started to mount the pressure and eventually, the barrel with legs, Reon Lowery burrowed in. Sid (the sloth) Harvey converted. The momentum kept rolling for Beasties, charging forward off the lineout Jimmy (Neutron) Hokafonu burrowed in. Harvey converted. In the dying minutes of the first half, Rats forced a comeback. Big bodies bashing away, Pat (the Postman) La Torraca closed the gap. Shortly after, Easts were back on the prowl. A dazed Warringah side were struggling to hold on as Easts charged around the corner. Hokafonu was denied a double with seconds left to play and to make things worse for Rats, naughty boy Charlie (licence to) McKill was shown the Stilton for repeated infringements. Beasties went to a tap move, Hokafonu sliced straight through and couldn’t be denied this time. Harvey converted. Halftime.

The second half, the weather became biblical. The wind howling and down came the rain and still it took all of four minutes for Easts to cross. The BBQ specialist Rob Cobb went over. Harvey converted. Unsurprisingly Rats refused to go away, their forwards continued to go to work and finally Luke (Vader) Reimer closed the gap. Byron (Bay) Smith was having a tough day from the tee and it was proving costly. With seven to play Harvey sealed the deal with a penalty from 30 out. It was an utterly dominant performance from Easts and a thoroughly deserved win. Fulltime.