By Jon Geddes

AN unheralded new scrum base combination has emerged as the Manly Marlins’ “dynamic duo”, adding an extra dimension to the club’s Shute Shield campaign.         

Halfback Ruan Duplooy and No.10 Robbie McIntosh both impressed in the Marlins’ thrilling 31-28 win over Eastern Suburbs at Manly Oval last Saturday, playing instrumental roles in the victory.

McIntosh hails for North Harbour in New Zealand and spent last season at Gordon before heading over the Spit Bridge for 2023.

“I enjoyed my time there, but I moved to Freshie (Freshwater) and it was a good move for me playing a bit more first grade,” McIntosh said.

Duplooy was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand with his family when he was 16.

“I played in Hong Kong the last seven years and came to the Marlins at the start of the year,” he said.

After teaming up for the first time this season, and with just two premiership game together, McIntosh and Duplooy have really started to gel.

“We’ve got a good mateship off the field, and I think that helps,” McIntosh said.

DOING THE JOB

MARLINS’ coach Chris Delooze was understandably pleased with the performances of his new halves.

“They were very, very good in the first half,” he said. “And in terms of when you are trying to control the game in the second half and playing to the game plan, they did that.”

HIGH PRESSURE FOOTY

IN a seesawing contest Manly led 21-7 at halftime before Easts took the lead 28-21 midway through the second session.

The scores then levelled at 28-all after Duplooy backed up superbly and finished off a spectacular attacking raid to score the crucial try which levelled the score at 28-all after McIntosh’s conversion.

Then McIntosh, who potted his previous four goals, kept his 100 per cent record intact by booting a penalty which gave Manly what proved to be their winning 31-28 score.

“It’s a good opportunity to be honest, pressure is a privilege,” McIntosh said of that kick.

Twice at the death Easts received penalties within kicking range and the chance to snatch a draw, but gallantly opted for scrums in a bid to cross for a match-winning try.

Manly held on and were able to withstand Easts’ rear-guard assault.   

“It was high pressure footy, but we were happy to get the turnover at the end and kick the ball out and get the win,” Duplooy said.

GOOD TIMES COMING

THE talented 9 and 10 are positive about what lies ahead for the Marlins’ this season.

“We are so close to clicking, we are playing a bloody good brand of footy and it suits me and Ruan which is probably why we are having so much fun,” McIntosh said.

“Chris (coach Delooze) has brought so much fun to all of our trainings and all the boys are thriving off it.

“He gives us a lot of confidence to play what we see and that is one of the best things I have been given.”

Duplooy said the team is playing a pretty expansive brand of footy.

“It is exciting to be at training, it is exciting to get out here (on game day),” the halfback said.

THE NORTHERN THREAT

THIS Saturday’s clash between the Marlins and unbeaten competition frontrunners Northern Suburbs at Manly Oval shapes up as a cracker.

“They are on fire, they had another big win today (against Randwick at Coogee Oval),” Delooze said after Saturday’s game.    

“They have started the year extremely well, so we’ll have a look, we’ll break them down.

“There are a few areas that we have to tighten up first before we even worry about what they are doing.”

Asked if his team has to improve the coach replied: “I think we have to be more accurate in certain areas.”

One of the key and most intriguing matchups will be between McIntosh and Norths’ in-form five-eighth Jude Gibbs.