By MARK CASHMAN

Warringah hooker Jack Nettleton always suspected that there was something special about his family heritage as he worked his way through the ranks to his run on debut for the Rats against West Harbour at Pittwater Rugby Park on Saturday.

A little over four years ago Nettleton discovered that the family line on his mother’s side was First Nations, from Bunjalong Country at Shark Creek near Yamba on the far north coast of NSW.

“When we were younger we always thought that there was something there, but when we found out we were stoked,” Nettleton told Rugby News.

“My brother Kyle and my grandma Andree did some research into it and found the family line to Shark Creek up near Yamba.

“My mum (Stephanie) was part of the Stolen Generation and the more we look into it the more we find out which is great.

“Just recently we discovered out a whole heap of information about that side of the family but it’s just such a privilege to be part of what is such a rich culture.

“We are at the start of what will be a fascinating journey and every day we seem to be learning new things about that side of the family.”

That aside Nettleton is looking forward to challenge that West Harbour will bring to the table and playing at the front end of this game.

“It’s great to get out there at the start have a crack with the boys,” Nettleton added.

“I’ve been under the wing of Sam Needs (Rats tight head and scrum consultant) in terms of scrummaging and he’s really fast tracked my work there.

“My lineout throwing has always been a strong point in my game but I continue to work hard at that.

“I must admit that I’m quite lucky with the forwards that we have at the Rats – everyone is on the same page.

“And when you look at it if you’re losing line outs to athletes like Andrew Davies and Hugh Margin then you’re doing something wrong.

“They are both tall guys but on top of that their aerial skills are right up there with the best in the competition.”

Nettleton has always been a northern beaches boy, attending St Augustine’s College at Brookvale and playing junior reps for the Rats all through the age groups.

He played at Eastern Suburbs for two years (in 2018 and 2019) before coming back to Rat Park during the pandemic last year.

His junior rep team had a great run from Under 10s right through to Under 16s winning the state championships five out of the six years they played in it.

Little wonder when you consider the talent that was in that group.

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Rats backrower Max Girdler, Simon Kennewell (Aussie Sevens), Callum Mills (Sydney Swans) and Brad Parker (Manly Sea Eagles) were all part of that squad of sporting high achievers.

Nettleton reckons that the loss last weekend to Southern Districts has helped the Rats focus about what needs to happen against Wests.

“The game against Souths was one of those where we beat ourselves,” Nettlton said.

“At the end it came down to our discipline and being present in the game at the right time. It’s a pretty easy fix I reckon so there is no need to panic. We know what we need to work on.

“Sometimes losing a game like that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It gives you the chance to look at where you are going and what you need to adjust.

“We’re ready for Wests and had a great blow out on Thursday night.Looking forward to it.”

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON