The rugby forward still playing footy at 71
EVERY rugby season for the past 49 years Rusty Mackie has played for his beloved Manly Marlins club — he is now 71 years old, a hooker, gear steward, water boy and general roustabout.
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EVERY rugby season for the past 49 years Rusty Mackie has played for his beloved Manly Marlins club.
The 71-year-old grandfather was in the action on Saturday as replacement hooker for the Marlins’ fifths in their 24-21 win over Norths at Manly Oval.
But right away he clashed with referee who ruled there had to be uncontested scrums.
“I wasn’t happy, I had a go at him over that I can tell you,” Mackie said. “We are not powder puffs, we are here to play football.”
Since joining Manly in 1970 Mackie has played over 800 games, but the records say it is 378 because they previously didn’t count fifth and sixth grade.
Mackie never played firsts at Manly, but he did have a game in second grade many years ago when the hooker didn’t turned up.
“I love the kids, I’ve taken a hell of a lot out of the game, Manly have been tremendous to me and I want to give it back,” said Mackie who is also gear steward, water boy and general roustabout.
“What else are you going to do at 71? My boots are always in the car.”
But one person not so enthusiastic about Mackie’s ongoing rugby career is his wife Philippa.
“She wasn’t happy when I got home and told her, I can tell you,” he said.
Mackie’s team mate George Hitchcock, just 29, said it was pretty cool to have a have a man of his experience on the paddock.
“He did have a massive impact, we were losing when he came on and we can attribute his experience to getting the winning try,” Hitchcock said.
“I’m not sure if he touched the ball but we are saying he did.”
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