By Jon Geddes

GORDON’S coaching “magician” Billy Melrose has pulled another rabbit from his hat in the countdown to the Shute Shield finals by recruiting former Warringah Rats captain and Waratahs prop Rory O’Connor for the remainder of the season.

O’Connor made his shock debut for the Highlanders as a second half replacement in last Saturday’s 39-38 win over West Harbour at Chatswood Oval after answering an SOS from a desperate Melrose just two days before.

To say Warringah players were surprised to hear their former skipper was now running around in a tartan jumper is an understatement.    

“We had a massive injury toll and literally lost four props,” Melrose told Rugby News.