By Jon Geddes

BRENDAN Owen is a rugby player who carries an atlas in his kitbag.

The latest destination for the globetrotting back is Manly – and his arrival on The Corso has provided a big boost for the Marlins’ Shute Shield finals ambitions.

The 27-year-old’s talents were on display with an impressive performance in Manly’s 42-26 win over the Two Blues on Saturday at Manly Oval, a result which sees the Marlins sitting in clear fourth spot.

Owen played an instrumental role in two of his side’s tries with smart kicks, was hands on  in the lead-up for two more five pointers and showed great vision by creating opportunities for his outside men with sharp passing.

No doubt those skills have been honed for the experience he gained playing around the world, taking full advantage of the opportunities that rugby can offer.

HAVE BOOTS, WILL TRAVEL

“I am South African born, but have spent quite a bit of time playing overseas since I finished school,” Owen told Rugby News after Saturday’s victory.

After two seasons as part of the Bulls system in Pretoria, he got a deal with the Western Force at the time when they were booted out of Super Rugby.

Owen then had a season in Italy before moving to Jersey in the Channel Islands, where he was a standout until the club  went into liquidation last October.

“I had a little stint with Bath after the Jersey Reds collapsed,” Owen  said.

 At Jersey he was a teammate and housemate of classy Warringah Rats back Ben Woollett.

“Ben said if I was looking for something to do and some game time, come over to Sydney. It’s been a great suggestion from him, I’m loving it,” Owen said.

Owen’s journey brings back memories of the unforgettable quote from former champion Wallaby prop Richard Harry who once said: “Play rugby and see the world, play league and see Wigan.”           

“It’s been a good opportunity to experience different things. I’ve been pretty lucky to do what I love,” Owen said. “I’ve got myself all over the world and this has been my latest stop.”    

SHUTE IS BEAUT  

THE Two Blues game was Owen’s second start in first grade, along with one off the bench.

And he already likes what the Shute Shield has to offer.

“I’ve always been a big fan of expansive, open rugby and that’s definitely what you see over here,” Owen said. “I’m really enjoying being part of that and it is good to watch.

“It’s a good environment to be in and I probably couldn’t ask for a better place to do it than Manly.

“It’s a really good bunch of boys, a very well run club, big on the culture and everyone has been very welcoming.”

TOP IQ

MANLY head coach Chris Delooze said Owen has made the most of his opportunities with their other No.10 Robbie McIntosh injured.

“He’s got a great understanding, a great IQ of the game as well,” Delooze said. “He’s doing really well at the moment.”

Delooze now has some intriguing selection decisions moving forward.

“Robbie made his return today as well, so there is going to be healthy competition moving forward,” the coach said.

Owen played fullback with Jersey which will give Delooze more backline options moving forward.           

The Marlins were down to 14 men for the for the final 12 minutes when centre Ollie Cummins left the field injured and they had run out of reserves.

“What they did today,  they stuck to a genuine plan that we implemented from the start of the week knowing the Two Blues are a very strong team,” Delooze said.