The 2018 premiers travelled to Dangar Park, Mayfield, to take on the second-placed team - and came away with plenty to work on at training during the week.

The Heelers were hoping to start the season a little better than their one win from three matches.

But, considering it was Muswellbrook's third straight away encounter, it was always going to be difficult.

With a few more players than their last start, the new-look side was confident it had the game to challenge Easts, even though the Heelers were missing captain and playmaker Cameron Young.

After 15 minutes, the hosts were up 19-0 through three tries and two penalty goals, which put Muswellbrook well and truly on the back foot.

The Heelers missed too many tackles and, once frustration set in, they began taking it out on the referee.

The man in the middle had a hand in a few dubious calls, but the Muswellbrook team could only blame itself for a very poor start to the fixture.

After about 20 minutes, the Heelers started building some pressure and Elliot Serhan managed to score a try late in the half.

However, a poor restart afforded Easts great field position and they capitalised, touching down in the corner and closing out the first period with four tries to one.

The Heelers copped a mouthful at half-time from coach Michael Hall and some senior members of the squad.

The game plan was simple: tackle the players in front of you and retain the ball.

In the second stanza, the Heelers came out playing better rugby.

Within two minutes, Muswellbrook was able to post first points through a Will Hobden try and the lads were determined to make amends for the first half performance.

On the back of a dominant set piece, they were able to control the ball for long periods.

Easts were now getting worried about a Heelers' comeback and began slowing the play, kicking away possession and trying to use up the time.

The game fell into the grind as fatigue set in, but Muswellbrook enjoyed the better run of play.

With 12 minutes remaining, the Heelers were over again courtesy of a converted try by Atu Katonitabua - but were well short on the scoreboard.

Easts hit back again with a late five-pointer and penalty conversion to finalise the score at 38-17.

"The first 15 minutes, and the frustration that came with it, cost us the game today," Hall said.

"We tried to recover but you can't give anyone a 20-point start and expect to win.

"We are missing a few troops in key spots but we have to play with who we have.

"I expect more from the group.

"There were simply too many fundamental errors and that bore frustration."

The Muswellbrook team now hosts its next four games at Highbrook Park, starting with Cessnock on Saturday.

"These are must-win matches if the club wants to stay in touch with the top four or five teams," Hall said.

"The game will kick off at 3pm and we ask all our supporters to come along and cheer on the boys.

"Bar and canteen facilities will be open from 2pm.

"We'll also host our annual Memorial Day on May 18.

"This is one of the club's marquee events and is something that the players look forward to each year it has been held.

"The game will be played against the Griffins and is surely to be another great day."

Coach's points:

1. Heath Talbot

2. Elliot Serhan

3. Blair Baker

Players' player:

Will Hobden