By Jon Geddes

AS arch-rivals Manly and Warringah prepare to square off in their milestone 100th local derby at Manly Oval on Saturday, former Marlins five-eighth Matt Curll explained what it is like to get caught up in the passion that comes from playing in rugby’s version of State of Origin.

The only time Curll was sent off in his career was against the Rats under lights in the final game of the 1995 regular season at Narrabeen.

Within the first five minutes Warringah halfback Mark Catchpole got into a scuffle with his opposite number Kevin Hutchenson.

“Catchy had the upper hand and because I kicked the ball down field, I was the only one left so I went over to pull him off,” Curll told Rugby News. “Catchy then turned on me and started punching me and so I hit him back.”