Shute Shield: Warringah Rats coach says he has inside info on Manly
WARRINGAH Rats assistant coach Damien Cummins has taunted the Manly players ahead of tomorrow’s derby by declaring -I know all your secrets.
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WARRINGAH Rats assistant coach Damien Cummins has taunted the Manly Marlins players ahead of tomorrow’s big local derby by declaring — I know all your secrets.
The Marlins’ stalwart is returning to Manly Oval wearing the colours of archrivals Warringah for the first time since being axed as Manly coach at the end of last season.
In a switch that rocked rugby on the northern beaches, the Rats pounced and got him on board to work with their forwards.
Now Cummins has started playing mind games with his former team by revealing Warringah is using his inside knowledge to plot their tactics for the battle of the beaches.
“It’s bit like when the British cracked the Nazi’s Enigma code in WWII and it ended the war so maybe this could end the Rats losing streak at Manly Oval for the Rats,” Cummins said.
“We know all their plays because they haven’t changed their calls from last year or any of their lineout calls
“We know Laney (Sam Lane) kicks off his left foot and Nick Holton off his right and they push very hard in the scrums.
“That is pretty crazy intelligence right there.”
Cummins admit he is excited and just a bit apprehensive about his return to Manly.
“I was here for 26 years as a player and a coach and I’m now in coming back as a Rat which I am really proud of,” Cummins said.
“I just wish I could strap the boots on and tape the ears up and get out there because I’d love to ruck Cecil (Manly hooker James Hilterbrand).”
And Cummins expects to receive a special reception when he walks into the ground in his Rats gear.
“Hopefully there are a few boos and supposedly there will be a sign on the hill,” he said.
“I’d be disappointed if there wasn’t some friendly banter from the boys.”
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