By Jonathan B Geddes

TWELVE months after facing the prospect that a serious neck injury could finish his rugby career, Ben Woollett was Warringah’s “super sub” in their 44-8 win over Manly on Anzac Day.

From the moment he took the field on the wing at Manly Oval in the 52^nd minute, the powerful outside back made a massive impact in the battle of the beaches.

With his first touch of the ball Woollett put his team on the attack with a surging run in the lead-up to the try by prop Pat La Torraca. He then played a key role in the five-pointer by Tyson Davis, in what was the stalwart centre’s 150^th first grade game. 

That kind of form had Woollett knocking on the door of Super Rugby teams before he headed off for stints with the Jersey Reds club in the Channel Islands and the Leicester Tigers.

“Ben killed it when he came on so it was awesome by him,” said Warringah coach Josh Holmes.

THE BENCH MARK

WOOLLETT’S eye-catching display came after another setback when he fractured his hand in the Rats’ round one game against Hunter.

“That starting 15 was so strong there was no way I would be coming in to take any of their spots,” he said.

“Today I was super happy to be off the bench and let the boys who are starting absolutely rip in and try and pick up some stuff after that.

“I’m happy to be playing anywhere, especially if the game is a bit loose. Some of the boys and me are happy to throw the ball around and chance our hand a  bit.”

After a closely fought first 40 minutes with Warringah holding a slender 10-8 lead, they took control in the second half.

“That first half was really tight, in the second half we had that killer mindset going through and capitalised on a lot of opportunities,” Woollett said.

THE STUNNING COMEBACK 

BUT Woollett feared he may never play again after rupturing a disc in his neck in the third round game against Eastwood last year.

That kind of injury has to be treated with the upmost caution for obvious reasons.

“It was pretty serious,” Woollett told Rugby News.

“The doctors were really good, they said at all costs try to avoid surgery if you can.

“And luckily I could avoid surgery by just taking it really easy and letting it heal on its own.”

Woollett was sidelined for 12 weeks and made a return at the tail end of last season.

“I can’t stay away from the Rats, I love my mates … you are not going to keep me away from here,” he said.

Now he is fighting fit again, Woollett would love a crack at a higher level should the opportunity present itself.

“I finally have all my strength back,” he said. “At the end of the day I’m just keen to play as much good footy as I can – I want to win games, I want to score tries – and you never say no to anything of course.” 

DYNAMIC DUO REUNITE

WOOLLETT’S return also allowed him to again team up with Rats’ skipper Ben Marr, with whom he developed an uncanny combination as the pair played together growing up on the northern beaches.        

“He’s been my best mate for a long time,” Woollett said. “He gets the best out of me and I hope I try and get the best out of him.”     

Marr is delighted to have Woollett back.

“I’ve been playing with Benny since we were 12 and it doesn’t get old,” the Rats’ fullback said.

“He’s had a few  injuries in his career but he always seems to come back better. He’s a tough guy, he wants to be out there and is one of the biggest competitors I know.

“You only have to watch this game to see what he brings and what he adds to this team. 

“Everyone adds something to this team. Benny came in and played really well and so did everyone from one to 23.”