By Jon Geddes

GEOFF Toovey, one of the toughest players to have ever pulled on a pair of boots in the NRL, is the latest big name former rugby league star to make a smooth and successful transition into the coaching ranks of the Shute Shield.

The former Sea Eagles, NSW Origin and Kangaroos’ star has become a valuable member of the Warringah Rats’ brains trust.

He joins Manly Marlins head coach Phil Blake and Hunter Wildfires assistant John Muggleton – who have both been highly-regarded Wallabies’ defensive coaches – as former elite league players who are now making a big difference at their respective rugby clubs.

Toovey is thriving with his new challenge as an assistant coach at Rat Park, sharing his footy smarts and knowledge in the 15-a-side game with the same passion he did as both NRL player and coach.

“It’s great, it’s just down the road for my home and they are young men who want to listen, who want to learn and be the best they can be,” he told Rugby News after his Rats’ defeated Manly 22-20 in the 100^th local derby at Manly Oval last Saturday.

“I am there to support the head coach Mike Ruthven and whatever he wants me to do – and with a lot of enthusiasm.”

Ruthven revealed the man who captained NSW to a State of Origin series win in 1997 has been working closely with the Warringah players on their tackling technique and different elements of their core skills.

“He works super-hard with our forwards around their short passing game,” Ruthven said.

“He has been a really valuable asset.

“He brings a great amount of energy, he’s a really upbeat guy and is always super positive around the group.”

It is also clear observing his interactions with the team that they love having him around and respect what he has achieved. He is a fully-fledged member of the club.

And the players know Toovey can’t ask them to do something which he hasn’t done himself.               

And, so far, Toovey has not had to call for an investigation.

It can only benefit the Shute Shield that the talented trio of Blake, Muggleton and Toovey are involved in the Shute Shield.

All three know what it takes to win. They have played alongside and been coached by the best of the best and have had the skills that form the basis for both codes ingrained in their DNA.    

The switch from rugby league player to rugby coach is a common occurrence at the international level in Europe with the likes of Les Kiss, Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards all seamlessly making the move. 

STUCK IN THE MUD      

LAST Saturday’s battle of the beaches became a hard slog for both sides being played in a glue pot.

But the physicality and feeling between the teams was just what one comes to expect in the derby clashes.

“It was a gutsy win, I was just really proud of the effort more than anything,” Ruthven said.

“They were tough conditions and hard to play footy in.

“I thought Manly controlled territory and possession throughout that first half and we did well to hang in there.

“We just knew if we could control discipline, find good field position and control the footy then points would come.”  

The Marlins had every chance to win, dominating for the first 20 minutes and then getting to a 20-12 lead five minutes after halftime.

“We got into a position to control that game and then unfortunately for us we lost our way a little bit with some turnovers and ill-discipline,” Blake said.

“And to their credit the Rats they hung in there for as long as they could and got the result in the end.

“That’s all you have to do, that’s finals football.

“It was a good contest on a really ugly, horrible oval. The crowd was absorbed because of the closeness of the score.”

The challenge for both clubs will be getting back up for this weekend’s game when Warringah host Souths and Manly play Gordon at Chatswood Oval.

They often both suffer a derby “hangover” after all the hype and energy surrounding the battle of the beaches.

SATEKI’S TRIPLE TREAT

RATS’ prop Sateki Latu will remember the 100^th battle of the beaches because he crossed for three tries.

Asked if he had achieved that amazing feat previously, he laughed: “In the under sevens maybe.”

“Thinking about it now, playing in the 100^th derby is pretty special and getting three tries is pretty special as well.

“Full credit to the lads, they got in good spots and I was able to go over.”  

The young frontrower continues to improve in all aspects of his game and must be on radar of Super Rugby teams.