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A Marlin Comes Home from Japan

A Marlin Comes Home from Japan

Peter Bowers, June 27, 2012

We are used to versatile Rugby backs who can slot in at No.10, centre and fullback. But what about a versatile front-rower? Unlikely?

In last Friday's victory over West Harbour, Josh Mann-Rae capably proved the doubters wrong.

Recently returned from playing in Japan, he is a front-rower who can kick goals and play as a loose forward.

"I think I started kicking back when I was at school, which is a long time ago now. And sort of just carried it through. I enjoy it, and it's just something extra", said the hooker.

"Hookers aren't really known for their goal kicking and that. So everyone always goes: 'Are you joking?', 'Are you kidding?'"

"But you know, it's just something you hope to bring to the team if they need it."

Mann-Rae was goal kicker for his Japanese Club, and is now kicking again at Manly Oval.

On Friday, there were last-minute changes to the forward pack with flanker Jordy Reid and No. 8 Tevita Metuisela unable to play.

Mann-Rae was shifted to the side of the scrum to be a blindside flanker.

He said of playing there, "It was good; a different experience. I've had a few games (at flanker), but it's a different role to play. Your work rate is a lot different from the tight five (2 props, 1 hooker, 2 locks)".

"You've just got to try to work everywhere, and make your tackles and try to be a pest at the breakdown".

For the past few years, Mann-Rae has been playing in Japan's Top League with the Kyuden Voltex. The Voltex name is a combination of 'Voltage' and 'Technique'.

He has played with several high-level Australian players, including George Smith and Peter Hewat, and some other ex-Manly boys.

"It's a real different style of footy. Japanese footy is a lot faster and mobile (than Shute Shield footy), while the physicality and that isn't there, because they don't have the size of the boys. The Japanese aren't a real big race", said Mann-Rae.

Was that challenging for you? "Yeah it was. When I first went over, it's a real different style to adjust to. But you know, you get used to it, you adapt to the style".

Mann-Rae seems to have had no trouble adapting back to the more physical Shute Shield rugby: "Its good to see some old faces and be playing park footy and playing for Manly again. This is my club in Sydney so I've got a lot of love here and I enjoy it; enjoy playing in front of the crowd and with the boys".

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