Tribute day planned for Manly Marlins club rugby legend Russell ‘Rusty’ Mackie

There’s a special day being planned to honour Manly Marlins stalwart Russell “Rusty” Mackie, known for his pink shorts and being a “true rugby club legend”.

Tributes are flowing for Russell Mackie who was at the Manly Marlins for 50 years. Pic: Supplied

The Manly Marlins want to give their volunteers a day off in tribute to one of their most loyal and hard-working stalwarts on a special day during the 2022 Shute Shield season.

Manly Marlins players will pull on pink shorts in a planned tribute to one of their own who passed away on the weekend.

President Cameron Douglas said the club is planning the tribute to both Russell “Rusty’' Mackie, who gave 50 years of service to the club, and all volunteers at the Marlins during the Shute Shield season in 2022.

Tributes are flowing for Russell Mackie who was at the Manly Marlins for 50 years. Pic: Supplied

Mackie was famous for wearing pink shorts which were originally red but had faded over the years of wear and tear.

Douglas said red shorts were worn by Marline teams back in the 1980s.

“We are thinking about having a volunteers day named after Rusty,” Douglas said.

“A day where we give our volunteers the day off and have our first great graders play in pink shorts.”

Player, touch judge, bus driver, water boy. You name it and this club rugby legend probably did it during half a century with the Manly Marlins club.

Tributes continue to flow for Mackie, who passed away on Saturday and has been described as one of the “toughest and truest men”.

“He was with the club from 71, so 50 years this year,’’ said Marlins President Cameron Douglas.

“He came to Manly and never left and he was much loved.

Russell "Rusty" Mackie.

“He was a lower grade player, a touch judge, a referee, ran the water, one of those volunteers who did everything and never complained about a thing.

“I remember him driving us to a sevens tournament in Bathurst one time.

“And he was famous for those pink shorts. Manly wore red shorts in the 1980s and these had just faded. I don’t know how many pairs he had.’’

Young Waratahs player Max Douglas said Mackie had been close to players who admired him and appreciated everything he did for the club.

“He was the bloke who also did the stuff no one wanted to do. One of the most invaluable clubmen,” Douglas said on Sunday.

“He also strapped on his boots in his 70s and played a fifth grade game. That’s pretty amazing.

“He was very close to all of us. It’s emotional for us.”

Mackie was held in such high esteem at the club Douglas, 21, presented him with his Waratahs jersey as a thank you for his service.

Others who knew Mackie flooded the Manly Marlins Facebook pages with tributes and memories of the legendary clubman.

“RIP Russell ‘Rusty’ Mackie,” the club wrote.

“This man encapsulated the ultimate clubman.

“From running waters, to post game rub-downs, and even running on in times of need. he has been there for us all.

“Well prepared for the game they play in heaven. Rest easy, mate. #manlyboomboom.”

In incredible circumstances, Mackie hit the pitch in a fifth grade match for the Marlins when 71.

For the record, the Marlins won the Games game against Northern Suburbs 24-21.

“Such sad news. One of the toughest and truest men with one of the biggest most loyal hearts. The village green has lost one of the best,’’ wrote Ali Warman on Facebook.

“Condolences to all of the Marlins Family and Rusty’s family. A club legend, a Shute shield legend he will be missed,’’ wrote Shane Evans.

A Manly Marlins v Warringah Rats derby. Pic Karen Watson

“Sad news, thoughts and prayers with the Manly Rugby community. Always enjoyed refereeing at Manly. Always welcomed by Rusty and his red shorts, running up and down the touch line in lower grades. A great man that will be missed around the rugby community. RIP R,’’wrote Antony Hastie.

“Absolute legend and created a legacy for manly. Will be missed, he is why Shute shield is good. RIP mate,’’ wrote Josh Holmes.

“Rest In Peace Rusty a true Marlins man til the end. Can only ever hope to bleed red and blue as much as you,’’ wrote Oscar Wardell

“So sad. Rusty was always there for the players. Remember many a time been told by rusty:. She’ll be right get up mate have a go,’’ Sean Lynch wrote.

“They say no-one is irreplaceable but they got that wrong with Rusty. Manly Oval just won’t be the same without him. A remarkable man. RIP Rust,’’ wrote Adam Lucius.

“RIP Rusty. great character and encapsulates the sort of people rugby clubs need to thrive,’’ wrote Matthew Kennedy.

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Originally published as Tribute day planned for Manly Marlins club rugby legend Russell ‘Rusty’ Mackie