By Jonathan B Geddes

NORTHERN Suburbs have bolstered their arsenal in the run home to the finals with a Super young gun halfback making an impressive first grade debut in Saturday’s 61-19 win over West Harbour at North Sydney Oval.

Western Force squad member Doug Philipson made a real impact as a second half finisher after just two training runs back with Norths where he played Colts.

Now the 21-year-old is ready to fulfill his potential after overcoming several setbacks over the past three years.

In 2023 Philipson underwent two shoulder reconstructions and two days before he was due to fly out with the Australian Under 20s World Cup squad last year, he broke his jaw playing in a Colts game for Norths against Manly.

Displaying a steely determination, Philipson not only returned to the field this year but made his Super Rugby debut for the Force.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

PHILIPSON was signed by the Force from 2023, the year after he finished school at Barker College, spending the past three years contracted to the franchise starting off in their academy.

 “I was lucky to get my first crack this year with the big boys in the Super squad,” he told Rugby News after Saturday’s  game.

“I came off the bench against the Chiefs (in round 11). It obviously was pretty daunting making your debut against a Kiwi side over there, but nonetheless it was an awesome experience.”

Philipson, who is signed to the Force next year, is pumped to be back with his Sydney club.

“I love it, it’s good to be back with the boys,” he said. “It was everything I expected, it was pretty physical out there.

“The boys around me helped me with any knowledge gaps or little bits and pieces I might have been missing. Between them and the coaches I was very lucky to just get out there catch, pass, kick and do my job.”        

Playing in the Shute Shield will only benefit Philipson’s player development.

 “They (Force) allowed a couple of us younger guys to come across,” he said. “I just want to learn and keep getting better.”

It is now full steam ahead for Philipson who has put the disappointment of missing the Under 20 World Cup well and truly behind him.

“Everything happens for a reason … I was part of it early in the season but  it obviously  wasn’t meant to be for the World Cup, ” he said.

A GOOD FIT 

DESPITE his limited preparation, Philipson’s performance on Saturday was no surprise to Norths coach Zak Beer.

“We knew that’s what Douggie brings and when we saw him playing schoolboys a couple of years ago, we knew that his strengths would suit our style and vice versa. And today you saw that,” the coach said.    

“His Force duties were done and this is a great benefit for him to be able to play Shute Shield rugby.” 

 DOWN TO BUSINESS

SATURDAY’S comprehensive victory was just what Norths needed following two tight losses to Easts and Gordon.

“It was an 80-minute performance,” Beer said. “This week was all about focusing on us and ‘loving the boring’, which we did. That’s what it’s got to be about.”

Norths sit in seventh spot on the ladder on 39 points, one behind Randwick who are running sixth. They are now ready to scrap for a spot in the play-offs. 

“As a club we love this business end of the season, this is what Norths is about,” Beer said.

“Every game is must win for most teams in the comp and we love living in this sort of space – and this is when we really want to be standing up. 

“It’s completely in our hands, we are in full control and it should be like that regardless of where you sit on the ladder.”

Norths have now turned their full attention to this Saturday’s away clash with Sydney University in a crucial game for both sides finals aspirations.  

Randwick plays Southern Districts at Forshaw Rugby Park.