Stalwarts John Hearn and Sean Maloney back Rats and Marlins union
JON GEDDES MANLY DAILY DECEMBER 13, 2013 4:25PM
JOHN Hearn, the only man to have captained both Manly and Warringah first grade rugby teams, has come out in support of the proposal of the arch rivals joining forces in next year's new National Rugby Championship.
The Manly Daily revealed this week that discussions have begun for Marlins, Rats, Norths and Gordon to form a northern Sydney side in the tournament that will run from August to October.
The former tough guy forward and owner of popular restaurant Manly Le Kiosk has seen the two clubs from both sides.
"I think it is absolutely fantastic, they are going to be franchises not club driven things," Hearn said.
He said both clubs bring their own strengths to the partnership.
Hearn said there would be no issues amongst the player and said it would be great for the northern neighbours to play together.
"Even though the teams play hard against each other and that extra bit of character went into the games, there was always a good drink afterwards," he said.
"They are rugby guys and they are northern beaches guys, they are all on the same page."
And Hearn believes that the local rugby fans will get behind the new northern Sydney team.
"The rugby community in this area know their football and enjoy good rugby," he said.
"What they want to see is a contest every week and club rugby is not providing that."
He said a very strong competitive team could be put together with player from Warringah and Manly alone.
FOX SPORTS rugby commentator Sean Maloney is excited about the proposed "marriage".
"Think about how good a team it would be and the competition you would have for spots," he said
"At the end of the day they are very similar in terms of supporters and the types of blokes at both clubs,
"I don't think it will be much of a stretch
Hope it comes off and Brookie is an integral part of their Business Case 🙂
