By MARK CASHMAN

Waratahs and West Harbour flanker Carl Tizzano has copped the sharp end of Sydney’s COVID-19 lockdown and he’s longing to get back on the field.

The 21-year-old only emerged from 14 days of self isolation on Thursday after he visited a contact site at a Services NSW office to sort out his bike registration near his home at Kingsford.

And from there it’s at least another two weeks of the Sydney wide lockdown before life and the rugby gets back to anything near what we would call normal.

 “I was only in there for something like four minutes but I suppose it is what it is,” Tizzano told Rugby News as he ticked off the hours to “freedom”.

“The Tahs dropped me off a ‘care package’ with some weights and a few other bits and pieces and they have been checking in every so often.

“But after the season that we had at the Tahs I just want to get out there and play some footy with the boys at Wests.”

Tizzano said the environment at Wests had helped him rediscover his love of footy and that finishing off the Shute Shield with the Pirates would be the perfect springboard to a good pre-season at Daceyville.

“Coming off a season like we had at the Tahs getting smoked most games it’s been pretty tough and to be honest you lose your passion for the sport,” Tizzano added.

“Going down and playing for Wests has certainly ignited that passion again for me I reckon.

“I’m always willing to throw the boots on and run out there with the Wests boys every single time that I do play I have the best time win, lose or draw.

“It’s ignited that spark that’s for sure.”

Tizzano did get a taste of the Shute Shield before the shutdown leading the way in Wests game against Eastern Suburbs at Drummoyne Oval in Round 10.

Wests got out to an 18-0 lead in the first half of that game against the Beasties but weren’t able to maintain the rage and with the wind at their backs Easts came home strongly to win 28-18.

“We’ve got some good players there and if we can keep them together over the next couple of seasons I think we will head up the ladder,” Tizzano added.

“Last year I think four or five of the first grade side went to other clubs but from what I have seen as a club we are on the right path.”

Part of that path has been the work of their strength and conditioning boss Clint Hill and the skills work that Stephen James does when he is available.

“Previously it hasn’t been like that,” Tizzano said. “Some of the old boys were telling me it was a bit like train one Thursday night and see how you go on a Saturday.

“It’s a bit more scientific and structured now which is great.”

Wests coach Mark Gudmunson is thankful to have Tizzano as a “proud Pirate”.

“He would have had other options on the table,” Gudmunson said. 

“The first time I met him in person, I drove all the way up to Port Macquarie to watch him play NRC against the Country Eagles when he was still with the Force. 

“I told him I would, but I think he was a bit surprised when I actually turned up. 

“I could see it that day and every time he takes the field that he wants to succeed. So keen to see him reach his goals.”

Tizzano has signed on for one more year at the Waratahs and isn looking forward to soaking up as much knowledge as he can from Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper.

“I’m confident that the Tahs are on the right path and it’s great that ‘DC’ (Darren Coleman) got the job and I’m obviously keen to work with him,” Tizzano said.

“When I was coming over from Perth I spoke to ‘DC’ about possibly linking with Gordon when I got over here but I landed at Wests.

“Talking with Robbie Abel, he said ‘DC’ was a straight shooter and didn’t promise anyone anyone anything that couldn’t be delivered.”

IMAGE: JB PHOTOGRAPHY