By Jon Geddes

THE son of Wallaby legend Willie Ofahengaue did his dad proud wearing his old Manly No.8 jumper in Saturday’s big local derby against Warringah at Rat Park.

Sau Ofahengaue was a standout for the Marlins in their gritty 20-17 win over their arch-rivals, in an individual effort that included four turnovers.

“Willie O” is recognised as a rugby great at Manly, NSW and with the Wallabies, where he played 41Tests between 1990 and 1998 with the 8 on his back.

And in his first time in the starting side this season, 27-year-old Sau repaid the faith shown in him by the Manly coaching staff in what was another war of attrition between the peninsula neighbours.

Just like his dad, 27-year-old Sau is a modest and unassuming footballer who lets his rugby do the talking.

But the son of a gun appreciated the significance of pulling on the Manly jumper that will forever be associated with his dad in such a big game.

“I still feel like it is big shoes to fill,” Sau told Rugby News after the game. “It’s definitely does feel special to be able to step into that position.”

Willie O continues to be an inspiration away from rugby as a minister with the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga and is based in Melbourne.      

TACKLING ADVERSITY

SAU had a wretched run with injuries over the past 12 months and fought his way to back to win a spot in first grade run-on side on the weekend.

“I only managed to play six games last season,” he said. “Luckily I’ve been able to play every game since the beginning of this season.

“I hope I can keep it this way for the rest of the season. My body is  holding up pretty well.”                                     

And what a pressure game to make his return to the top 15  – in the battle of the beaches.

“The derby match is always exciting. It is  pretty tough one and a physical game,” he said.

“I hope I did my bit to help the boys get over the line.”

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON 

 THE Marlins will tell you the major contribution Sau made to the victory.       

“He was really good over the ball and his turnovers were pretty crucial,” said assistant coach Damien  “Turtle” Cummins.

“He’s also a really good ballrunner and has lovely feet.”

Cummins can see the similarities, and the contrasts, between Sau and Willie O’s rugby.

“He doesn’t hit like his old man and has silkier hands – but there is his father in him, absolutely.”

Cummins said Sau earnt his spot after impressing in second grade and doing some really nice stuff when he had come on in the top grade.

 A MATTER OF PRIDE

CUMMINS had plenty of words to describe the performance of his side, who had to overcome two players being yellow-carded during the game.

“Gritty, resilient, under the pump,” Cummins said.

It was a big turnaround from Manly who were beaten 57-28 by Gordon in their previous game.

“We got pumped last week and it is a pride thing,” Cummins said.

“We were playing the Rats and we needed no more motivation than that.

“We play for our community down in Manly, the people who turn up every week and support us and our families.

“If you are not doing that in a derby, then don’t wear the jersey.”    

Cummins said the Rats hadn’t lost since round three and they are a good side who are on top of the comp for a reason.

“We knew coming up here we had to be on our game,”  he said. 

Cummins said the win helps get the Marlins back on track as the race for the top six intensifies.

“We stay in touch with top three,” he said.        

Cummins said it was probably a loss Warringah needed.

“You’ve got to lose somewhere through the comp just to sharpen the pencil,” he said. “You can brush over detail when you are winning and when you lose you start to look at things a little bit harder,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to be playing the Rats next week.”