By MARK CASHMAN

In a major coup with cross code ramifications the Warringah Rats will welcome NRL premiership winner Geoff Toovey to their coaching ranks for the 2021 Shute Shield season.

Toovey, whose storied career in rugby league included 286 first grade games for the Sea Eagles, 13 Tests for the Kangaroos and 16 games for the NSW States of Origin side, before transitioning into a highly successful NRL coach.

He joined the Manly coaching staff under Des Hasler in 2004 and took the reins full-time at the Sea Eagles in 2012.

Success was immediate and he continued to give Manly that hard edge with finals appearances regularly until he moved on at the end of the 2015 season.

The 2013 NRL season as a coach was probably his best steering the club to the grand final only to be beaten by the Sydney Rooster 26-18

Warringah head coach Mike Ruthven said he was looking forward to working with the NRL legend to give the Rats a winning edge.