Manly Marlins coup by recruiting Gunzz ‘N Roses

THE Manly Marlins are ready to rock after signing up cousins “Gunzz N’ Roses” for this year’s Shute Shield.

Axel Rose and Slash perform with Guns ‘N Roses. Picture: Tom Huntley

THE Manly Marlins are ready to rock after signing up “Gunzz N’ Roses” for this season.

Prop Mokani “Gunzz” Fuavao and his cousin Kevin “Roses” Fuavao, who plays centre, have come to Manly from New Zealand along with young Kiwi outside back Cameron Bailey to bolster the club’s strength for 2017.

And the club believes it won’t take them long to find their rhythm and start making some noise in the Shute Shield.

The trio have all been recruited by the Marlins head coach Brian Melrose.

“I looked at the positions where we had lost some key players and we found these three guys, I’m hoping they will compete strongly to be in the team,” Melrose said.

Manly Marlins rugby recruits Kevin “Roses” Fuavao, Mokani “Gunzz” Fuavao, & Cameron Bailey at Manly Beach on Tuesday. Picture: Troy Snook

“Gunzz” only arrived in Sydney on Monday morning after Marlins’ solicitor Lorne Havenstein organised a sporting visa for him through the Australian Rugby Union.

“It was a good opportunity for me to get better in my career,” the 26-year-old front-rower said.

“Gunzz” played first grade for Auckland University also at Counties Manuaka and makes his Manly debut in Saturday’s trial with West Harbour at Concord Oval.

His cousin “Roses”, 23, played in Tasman last year, was in their academy and has made clear he is not here for a holiday.

Manly Marlins coach Brian Melrose.

“I’m hoping to get a bit of interest from some Super Rugby clubs and get my body ready to hopefully play at that next level,” he said.

Bailey, 21, played first grade for Christchurch rugby club last season and with South Canterbury who made the semis in the Heartland competition.

He also has dreams of cracking in Super Rugby and plays No.13, wing and fullback.