Warringah flanker Martin Colins Scores for the Rats in 2014 – Photo: Karen Watson

by Terry Smith –

The winds of change have whistled through the coaching ranks of Warringah’s Green Rats for the coming season, with Wallaby Mark Gerrard back from Japan to join Greg Marr and Michael Lipman working with the first graders.

This follows Haig Sare’s decision to head to Queensland.

However, Gerrard, a super-sharp utility back who has 23 Test caps in his portfolio, will return to Japan in July to have a final season with a Japanese club before returning to the northern beaches in February.

Barring injury, it would seem this talented chap who grew up at Narrabeen and played for the Waratahs, Brumbies and Rebels will wind up his rugby days pulling on the green and white jumper of the Warringah Rats.

Marr, who has coached at Sydney University and Manly, will be the first grade coach, with former English international Lipman working with the forwards.

Marr, who operated the winch in Australia’s 1987 America’s Cup challenge and played first grade league for North Sydney, is a hard-nosed operator who played a major role in establishing the Western Force in Perth.

Flanker Lipman won 10 caps as England’s No 7 before injury cut short his career.

Adding to this potent Warringah coaching mix will be rugby director Lachlan Fear, who performed strongly as coach during his days with Gordon.

“These three guys will give us really good dynamics,” Fear said. “All of them are very strong individuals.”

Unlike a number of clubs, Warringah have not been hit by big player losses and note that Parramatta have brought in the old Wallaby prop Tony Daly to bring crucial powerhouse dynamics to the scrum.

Every Wednesday night the Parramatta forwards in each grade have a private scrum session which they call the Dark Ages Society and according to club officials, it seems to be working.

So Warringah officials were delighted by the arrival of Manasseh Alaga last Tuesday and rushed him into Saturday’s trials.

In the opening round of the Shute Shield on March 21, the Rats are at home to Southern Districts, with premiers Eastwood facing a seemingly difficult task against Randwick at Millner Field.

In other games, Easts play Gordon at Woollahra, Penrith are at home to Sydney University, Parramatta tackle Manly at Merrylands and West Harbour host Northern Suburbs at Concord Oval.