Rugby: Australian Navy to attack Manly Marlins
ABLE Seaman Sam Perkins’ job is to defend Australia as a member of the Australian Defence Force. He is also a 120kg rugby forward.
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ABLE Seaman Sam Perkins’ job is to defend Australia as a member of the Australian Defence Force.
He is also a 120kg 195cm rugby forward who will take part in an offensive exercise on the northern beaches on Saturday afternoon when he packs down with the Australian Navy team playing the Manly Marlins at Brookvale Oval.
“We don’t play often but when we do it whoever is around and not at sea or not operations,” Perkins said.
“We throw the ball around but we are also very good at defence as well.”
The game is being played to raise awareness of the Invictus Games which are taking place in Sydney from October 20-27.
“I think it is really good we have been given the opportunity to take part in it as it is close to home,” Perkins said.
Pulling on the rugby boots also gives the members of the Australian Navy a release from their high-pressure work environment.
“It is good to let off a bit of steam,” said Perkins, who plays at lock or in the backrow.
The 23-year-old is based on HMAS Adelaide where he is a combat systems operator with a role that involves analysing the radar.
“We are pretty much the eyes and ears of the ship, we hear everything and see everything from the operations room,” Perkins said.
But Marlins coach Brian Melrose admits his side is sailing into uncharted waters on Saturday afternoon.
“How could I possibly know what the Navy team is like?” Melrose asked.
But the Marlins will be adopting combat tactics
We are going to rain bombs down on them from the start so tell their fullback,” Melrose said,
“I have ruled out the drop punt as an option and am bringing back the torpedo.”
“We will sinking their hopes and dreams.”
The game kicks off at 2pm and there is a gold coin donation on entry to help raise funds for the Games.