By MARK CASHMAN

Northern Suburbs backrower Gary Bautz has something of a cult following in and around North Sydney Oval.

I’m constantly asked by rugby friend and foe why the likeable and well-muscled 2016 Shute Shield premiership winner cannot command a regular spot in the Shoremen’s top team.

Highlanders premiership coach Darren Coleman even asked, very much tongue in cheek, why Norths hadn’t got him a gym membership because “he needed to work on his rig” after he played a crucial role coming on late against Gordon in their only loss of the 2020 season.

Well Bautz gets his chance when Norths take on Eastwood in what will be one of the better Round Six games on Saturday.