Shute Shield: Manly Marlins v Warringah Rats derby preview
Warringah Rats star and physiotherapist “Slammin” Sam Ward helped Manly rival James Hilterbrand in his recovery from two shoulder reconstructions, but he’ll be looking to hurt him on Saturday.
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Manly Marlins hooker James Hilterbrand turned to Warringah Rats arch rival “Slammin” Sam Ward for help as he recovered from two shoulder reconstructions last year.
Ward is the physiotherapist with the big heart who took pity on the man from enemy territory in his time of need.
He looked after Hilterbrand’s extensive rehab for four-and-a-half months after the surgery on his right and left shoulders in the space of a fortnight.
“He was struggling with the use of his arms so that is where I came in,” Ward said.
And this afternoon Hilterbrand, who also in the running for USA’s American Eagles Rugby World Cup squad, intends showing the powerhouse Rats No.8 Ward just what a good job he did when their sides clash in the huge northern beaches local derby at Manly Oval.
“I don’t think he knows what he is in for, these shoulders are actually bolted on and he has helped that happen,” Hilterbrand said.
The American Eagles forward will be looking to repay Ward for all the pain he put him through by delivering a bit of a “skull massage” on Saturday.
The Rats backrower quickly fired back: “I’m too quick for you, you will never catch me.”
Ward admitted Hilterbrand was incredibly dedicated and diligent in his rehab, but added he also proved was a bit of a handful as a patient.
“There were lots of questions and non-stop chatter,” Ward said.
“He often complained about the brightness of the lights and always wanted them to be dimmed which was a bit strange for me.”
The battle of the northern beaches is a highlight on the Australian rugby calendar and is genuine sporting tribalism at its best played in front of a big crowd.
“You are always excited for these games,” Ward said. “This one will be a new challenge for us, we have a vastly different team.”
And he is ready for a continuation of the talk on the field from his former patient.
“ ‘Cecil’ (Hilterbrand) always has a few things to say, but nothing of importance,” Ward said.
For his part Hilterbrand said the derby was on another level from any other club game.
And he has been indoctrinating his Marlins teammates who haven’t played in a derby previously about what to expect from their opponents on Saturday.
“If you ask any of the new Manly fellas about Warringah they will say it is the lowest place on the planet and it’s full of absolute lemons,” Hilterbrand said.
In another local derby on Saturday Gordon and Norths meet in a full day of rugby at Chatswood Oval, with first grade starting at 6.20pm.
Eastwood will look to consolidate their top spot when they face West Harbour at TG Millner Field, Sydney University tackle Souths at University Oval and the Western Sydney Two Blues will be chasing their second win against Easts at Lidcombe Oval.