 Unofficially nicknamed the " Tricolours " due to their red , white and blue playing strip , Eastern Suburbs won its first match , defeating Newtown 32 – 16 at Wentworth Oval on 20 April 1908 . In 1913 , they became the first club to win three consecutive premierships ; the line @-@ ups during this period included the likes of Dally Messenger , Harry " Jersey " Flegg and Sandy Pearce , all regarded as all @-@ time rugby league greats . However , the club rapidly declined and failed to win the premiership for the next nine seasons . 
