By MARK CASHMAN

Warringah coach Mike Ruthven is expecting big things from his returning skipper Sam Ward when the Rats take on Southern Districts on Saturday.

Ward comes back into the Rats side in his preferred No.8 position for the game against the Rebels after having the week off to recharge.

He has been playing at lock all year and the extra work at scrum time has taken away from the enthusiasm and robustness of his running game.

Ruthven said Souths will pose a great challenge physically.