Eaton, 32, has been sharp off the bench in the Magpies' last two outings against the Tasman Makos and Southland Stags and has been rewarded with his first starting XV appearance of the season ahead of one-test All Black Brad Weber. That horror run with injuries is well and truly behind him.
He was attempting a gradual comeback from a hamstring injury during the club season when he tore it again. He then had issues with his other hamstring and both calf muscles.
"I've still got ongoing muscle injuries but I'm working through them. I'm playing fit and feeling pretty good ... reasonably confident."
A Magpie since 2005, Eaton, isn't getting too carried away after leaping ahead of the country's No 4 halfback for tonight's start.
"It's a case of different styles. Brad is obviously a quality player. I'm 95kgs, he is 75kgs. I'm a bit more abrasive and he is one of the better running halfbacks. It's horses for courses," Eaton said referring to the fact he has been selected to help secure the No 1 channel where too many tries have been leaked in previous outings.
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union development officer and academy fitness trainer agreed missed tackles had been the Magpies' major downfall this season and the key reason why they sit at the bottom of the Premiership points table, nine points behind Waikato.
"All the boys are working hard to fix this problem but it hasn't quite clicked yet. Sometimes that happens ... that's rugby," Eaton said.
He was confident the Magpies could win their remaining three matches and avoid relegation. Eaton pointed out the fact the Magpies had played the Turbos twice in pre-season matches was an advantage going into tonight's match.
"We know what they can bring. Now it's a matter of trying to front up and force our game on to them."
It was easy to detect Eaton's lengthy injury spell has freshened him up and there's a fizz which suggests there could be another season of first class rugby in him. However, Eaton refused to make that call just yet.
"I'll see how that ongoing work with my injuries go first."
While the Magpies must reduce their missed tackle count, 29 in last weekend's 36-29 loss to the Tasman Makos was too high, their forwards must also improve their physicality at the breakdown. As Magpies head coach Craig Philpott pointed out they were well second in this department against the Makos.
It's a pity the Turbos have opted to rest regular captain and openside flanker Callum Gibbins. His clash with Magpie and Hurricanes rival Tony Lamborn would have been a cracker.
However, Lamborn will still be eager to perform as he continues to stake a claim for another Super contract.
Former Magpies lock Tom Parsons will start for the Turbos. Hawke's Bay age group product Travis Taylor will start at hooker.
Another Bay age group rep, Tim Cadwallader, will get time off the subs bench as will former Magpies lock-loosie Kane Thompson. There will be some interesting individual tussles.
Magpies centre Robbie Fruean's clash with Ngani Laumape has the potential to be a beauty. Fruean is heading to the UK to play for Bath at the end of the season and will be keen to leave the Bay on a high.
Turbos pivot Otere Black has been running hot in recent weeks and his Magpies opposite Ihaia West needs a polished display after a mixed one in his 100th first class outing against the Makos. It's no secret that when a team plays well their 10 usually plays well and this will be vital if the Magpies are to win the first of their three must-win encounters.
The Magpies haven't beaten the Turbos since 2013 in a competition fixture. There's no better time to fix this stat.
Lose tonight and relegation will be certain and on paper the 2016 Magpies are too good to return to the championship.
