By Jonathan B Geddes

SUPER Rugby centre Hudson Creighton faced the toughest possible initiation to the Shute Shield on Saturday – and wasted no time making his presence felt in Warringah’s 29-15 win over Northern Suburbs at North Sydney Oval.

After only one training run with his new teammates on the Thursday evening before the game, the outside back who has just finished up with the Brumbies slotted seamlessly into the Rats’ No.13 jumper.

Creighton’s arrival couldn’t have been better timed for Warringah heading into the business end of the season, with star winger Ben Woollett dislocating his hip on Saturday and their outstanding outside centre Jackson Ropata going to play in the NPC.

And he will be on deck for Saturday’s massive top-of-the-table clash with Eastern Suburbs at Rat Park.

 “It’s been good, the boys have been really inviting and welcoming,” Creighton told Rugby News after the game. “These guys are really genuine, and they have a really good team. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

It was a big challenge to have just one run with his new backline before the game.

“(Coach) Joshy (Holmes) sent out all the plays so I was just getting my head around that,” Creighton said. “I’m just getting to know the boys and how all the combinations work.

“The boys play a really good brand of footy and turn up for each other, so it is really easy just to buy into that.”

Holmes could not have been happier with his new recruit’s debut.

“I think he can add a lot to us over the next few weeks,” the coach said. “He came in and just didn’t try to overplay his hand.

“He was really good around his little touches and his defence was awesome.

“And he’s a smart footy player; when we were under a bit of pressure, he kicked it down their end and turned the pressure around.”

Creighton is now really looking forward to this week’s showdown with the red-hot Easts in his first appearance at Rat Park.

“Definitely,” he said. “It is a grand final rematch, and obviously they have a really good team and a bunch of Tahs coming back. I know these boys will be up for it at home in front of the faithful on the hill.”

HEY MATE, COME AND PLAY WITH ME

THE Rats can thank their backrower Luke Reimer for setting the wheels in motion for Creighton’s arrival at Narrabeen.

The pair not only played together at the Brumbies, but are good mates off it. They are now flatmates since moving up from Canberra.

“Lukey Reimer has been pestering me and Joshy has been pestering me to come down,” he said.

Creighton has departed the Brumbies after five seasons, during which time he won 32 caps and scored seven tries.

“The 26-year-old combined direct running, sure hands, and stout defence to become a resolute and reliable member of the Brumbies backline,” the Super franchise said. “His form was recognised with selection for Australia A in 2022, and in 2025 he featured against the touring British and Irish Lions, crossing for a memorable try in front of a packed GIO Stadium.”

Creighton has an added incentive to keep performing with the Rats for the remainder of the season as he looks towards the next chapter in his career.

“Just trying to keep the body ticking over and keep the skills sharp for any opportunity that comes up,” he said.

One priority for Creighton is to learn the words to the Warringah team song, which the players belted out with gusto in the North Sydney Oval dressing room.

“I was hoping there was a printout,” he said. “Hopefully there are many more in the weeks to come.”