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.   

“So it was good to get out there and have a run around.

“I don’t want to speculate too much, I just don’t know what the next month holds yet.

“Hopefully I’ll get another run against Eastwood next week and then we’ll go from there.”

SWEET HOMECOMING

AFTER his last appearance for Manly back in 2015, Hodge’s has gone on to become a decorated Wallaby and key member of the Melbourne Rebels.

It was a measure of Hodge’s character that Saturday’s game was still a special moment for him. 

“It’s pretty awesome to be back representing the club that I grew up playing for,” he said.

“Obviously signing in France after this year I didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to come back and play for Manly again.

“I’m still learning a couple of the calls and it showed my age I didn’t know too many of the boys until this week.”

In fact, the only member of the Marlins’ squad on Saturday with whom he had previously played was replacement prop Sio Tatola.    

“It’s a really good group, very welcoming and a lot of skilful players,” said Hodge, who had one training run with the team on Thursday evening prior to the derby.

And Marlins’ skipper Hunter Ward said Hodge’s presence gave the whole team a boost.

“It was awesome, he just came into the side seamlessly,” Ward said.

“He’s got knowledge, he’s got around the boys straight away. He’s a cool, calm, older head in the group and it is very valuable for us.”

A WARNING SHOT

THE Marlins put their rivals on notice that they are a genuine premiership threat when they perform as they did on Saturday against their arch-rivals.

It was a big bounce back after a worrying six-game spell when they were beaten by University, Hunter and Easts, drew with Randwick and Wests and beat the Two Blues.   

Leading the way was their inspirational No.6 and captain Ward, who effort was exemplified by his sensational individual try with a run of almost 40m that was sheer determination.

“We spoke about it that there are only five games to the grand final and we had to start finding some form, it’s do or die every game for us,” Ward said.

“We are in the mindset now where it is enough of the talk, we’ve got to start putting action to our words.

“And I couldn’t be prouder of the performance today.”

He described the victory as probably the Marlins’ best display since they whipped Gordon 46-5 in round 10 at Chatswood Oval.

“We haven’t found that killer instinct, we’ve always made it a close game when we have been up against opponents we probably should have blown out of the water,” Ward said.

“So to play some good footy and get that winning feel back, it’s an awesome time of the season for us.”

And Hodge, who is heading off to Bayonne at season’s end, appreciated the significance of the win.        

“That was pretty big in the scheme of things,” he said.

“It’s been a pretty tough six weeks for the group, but the coaches really drove home believing in the game we can play and how good we can be when we put it all together.

“By no means was it a perfect performance but it was pleasing to get the win.”