Rats’ Woollett switches to fullback to cover for Marr against Norths
By MARK CASHMAN
Ben Woollett, the scorer of a spectacular after the bell try in the derby against Manly in Round Nine, has been moved to fullback to plug the gap left by the absence of Ben Marr for the Round 10 Shute Shield match against Northern Suburbs on Saturday – live on Stan Sport.
Marr dislocated his shoulder scoring a try against the Marlins and will be missing for a number of weeks so cover the absence of the Rats talisman skipper, Woollett will pull on the No.15 jersey at North Sydney Oval with Charlie Tupu starting on the right wing.
That was the formation that finished the game against the Marlins and it seemed to work quite well.
Don’t forget, you can watch highlights from all 2021 Shute Shield matches on demand on Stan Sport.
Warringah coach Mike Ruthven has opted for the same pack that did so well against the Marlins with Charlie McKill, Alex O’Dell and Max Girdler forming a confrontational backrow for the start of the game against the Shoremen.
That again leaves Rory Suttor to work from the bench along with Sam Needs, who had limited minutes against Manly in Round Nine because of a blue card.
Norths will again start the match with Max Burey in the No.10 jersey with regular flyhalf Angus Sinclair still on his way back from a quad strain.
James Turner will again feature on the right edge while Jack Brewer, James Margan and Max Ma’a forming the front row for the front end of this match.
Gordon have selected Waratahs squad member Joey Walton at outside centre for their big game against Sydney Uni at Camperdown on Saturday.
The Highlanders have also brought skipper Jordie Goddard back into their pack for this one while Ben Pollack will steer them around the field in the No.10 jersey.
At Sydney Uni Tom Horton, Chris Talaki and Theo Strang will all come off the bench at the back end of the game against Gordon.
This is an interesting time at Uni as they bed in the new head coach Phil Blake and bring a number of their Super Rugby stars into the first grade group.
The only change that Blake has made is in the backrow with Vili Cocker starting at No.6 with Hugh Bokenham away.
At West Harbour, coach Mark Gudmunson has brought the experienced Alofa Alofa into his side at outside centre for the game against Eastern Suburbs at Drummoyne Oval.
Alofa has only recently returned to Australia after forging out a career in Europe and his speed and rugby nous will be invaluable for the Pirates.
At Randwick early season skipper David Vea makes a return to the starting side at hooker with Chris Eves moving to tight head for their game against the Two Blues.
At Manly Sam Lane is back in the Marlins run on side for their game against the Hunter Wildfires at Manly Oval.
Lane will play at fullback, a position he has coped with in recent weeks off the bench.
At Eastwood the Woodies welcome back Michael Icely to their backrow for the game against Penrith at Nepean Rugby Park.
