By Jon Geddes

WALLABY Reece Hodge returned to where it all began in his quest to win a World Cup spot by playing his first game for Manly in eight years as the Marlins flexed their muscles with a 38-14 victory over Warringah in Saturday’s battle of the beaches.

While a Test squad of 23 were put to the sword by the All Blacks in Melbourne, utility back Hodge made sure he was prepared for any opportunity that presents itself at Rat Park earlier in the day.

“The message with the extended Wallabies squad is for everyone to stay match fit so a lot of boys have been playing club rugby for a couple of weeks,” Hodge told Rugby News after the big derby.