By Jonathan B Geddes

DEFENDING Shute Shield premiers Warringah have received a big boost for their 2026 campaign with the return of one of Shute Shield’s toughest forwards after overcoming a career-threatening injury.

Warhorse secondrower Phil Potgieter admitted his playing career was uncertain after tearing his left bicep in the second last round game of 2025. That injury cruelly sidelined him for the Rats’ march to the grand final after being an integral part of the team’s success.

But following a long and arduous rehab program, Potgieter decided to lace up his boots again. He wasted no time making an impact in Warringah’s 34-19 win over Bond University in a niggly, and often fiery Australian Club Championship clash at Rat Park on Saturday.

It was old-fashioned NSW versus Queensland rivalry in a battle that was anything but a friendly pre-season trial.

Potgieter was the chief engineer, stoking the engine room when the temperature rose. Some of his powerful runs changed the momentum of the game and got his team on the front foot.

No-nonsense tight forwards like the former Southern Districts stalwart are worth their weight in gold to any team.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

AFTER the win, Potgieter explained to Rugby News why he has decided to go around again.

“I think the No.1 is I have unfinished business for myself not being able to be on the field in the finals,” he revealed. “No.2 was retaining 95 per cent of our team, everyone pretty much who played in the finals last year has come back.”

Warringah’s only loss is No.10 Coby Miln, who has signed with North Harbour in New Zealand.

Potgieter’s comeback has been the culmination of a lot of hard work, including three tough months with his arm in a sling, hours of rehab and gradually rebuilding the strength in his bicep.

 The Club Championship was Potgieter’s second game back after playing 40 minutes in the previous week’s trial against Norths.
“Fitness will come during the year, and each week I’m just gaining confidence again,”  he said. “Today I didn’t feel the arm at all, which was good.”
Rats coach Josh Holmes said it was great to have Potgieter back. “Potts found his legs in the second half and really opened up,” he said.

Another standout for Warringah was their quiet achiever backrower Charlie McKill.

“Charlie is the energiser bunny,” Holmes said. “He popped up everywhere and epitomises what we talk about – how we want guys who work hard and keep busting their nut for the team – and he did that.”    

THE FIGHTBACK

POTGIETER said Hospital Cup premiers Bond Uni were 100 per cent up for the interstate showdown.

“Ten or 15 minutes into the game they were talking, they were motivated, there was a lot of energy, they were here to fight,” he said. “But I think our forward pack just wore them down in the end – set piece, physical dominance, a war of attrition”

The Rats showed character to fight back from a 19-10 halftime deficit after some well-chosen words from coach Holmes at the break.
But the coach was not getting carried away with the victory.

“To be honest we didn’t play very good footy, we are going to have to keep getting better before round one,” Holmes said. “What I was happy with was that we came in at halftime and had a chat about what we needed to work on.

“We were just letting them get under our skin and were probably our own worst enemy at times. It was good to get the job done.”
No.10 Luke Depiazzi was very impressive for Bond University.