By Jon Geddes

IT was an emotional homecoming for former Wallaby coach Alan Jones on Saturday, back at Manly Oval where his rugby career really took off four decades ago.

He was a guest at the Manly v Randwick clash, which doubled as the 40-year reunion for the Marlins’ 1983 premiership-winning side whom Jones’ guided to a memorable 12-10 victory over a star-studded Galloping Greens’ outfit in the grand final.

As he looked across the “village green” on the weekend a grateful Jones told Rugby News: “Yes, it all started here.

“I won a premiership and everything followed from that. I don’t forget that, I understand what it means to me.”