By Jon Geddes

COMING off a very tough Super Rugby season, Waratahs No.12 Joey Walton had a smile back on his face after playing for Gordon in their 11-5 win over Northern Suburbs in their Shute Shield local derby at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.

While many Super Rugby players are on leave, Walton jumped at his first opportunity to turn out for his club side - even in Saturday’s torrential rain.

“I just wanted to play … I do love coming back,” a drenched Walton told Rugby News after the game.

Walton joined Gordon from the Central Coast straight out of school and appreciates the club’s role is his path to Super Rugby.