By Jon Geddes

MANLY captain Hunter Ward has revealed Wallabies and Marlins’ legend George Smith inspired his team to their convincing 43-26 win over arch-rivals Warringah in the battle of the beaches on Saturday.

In a game where the Marlins’ excitement machine Yool Yool lit up Manly Oval with his scintillating speed and footwork, a key figure in the victory was the local product Smith, the champion backrower who played 111 Tests for the Wallabies.