 Bermuda’s Jamin Hodgkins and his Manly Marlins teammates were forced to settle for a hard-fought 24-24 draw against Northern Suburbs as the Shute Shield season intensifies at Manly Oval.
In a classic North Shore derby, the Marlins showcased their attacking flair but were ultimately pegged back by a resilient "Norths" side in a seesaw encounter that kept the home crowd on edge until the final whistle.
The Marlins’ offense was spearheaded by a standout performance from Will Kaye, who proved to be a thorn in the Northern Suburbs' side throughout the afternoon. Kaye crossed the white line twice, showing exceptional pace to finish off two well-worked team movements.
Kaye’s contribution extended beyond his try-scoring exploits; he remained clinical with the boot, adding three conversions and a crucial penalty to ensure the Marlins stayed within touching distance during a physical second half. Billy Dickens provided the other try for the home side, burrowing over from close range following a dominant period of forward pressure.
In just his second appearance for the club, Bermudian international Jamin Hodgkins was handed the starting fly-half jersey. The 23-year-old, who arrived in Sydney this year with eyes on the 2027 Rugby World Cup, looked increasingly comfortable directing the Marlins' backline.
Hodgkins showed glimpses of the tactical maturity that made him a standout in Canada’s Pacific Pride system, varying his play well between a probing kicking game and flat, crisp distribution to his outside backs. While the Marlins will be disappointed not to have secured their first win of the campaign following their narrow opening-day defeat to the Hunter Wildfires, the composure shown by Hodgkins in the "number 10" shirt remains a significant positive for the club.
The result marks the first draw between these two traditional rivals in recent seasons, following a high-scoring 41-38 victory for Northern Suburbs just a year ago. For the Marlins, the 24-24 result leaves them hungry for a breakthrough win as they prepare for the next round of Shute Shield action.
With the foundations of a potent attacking game now established, Manly will look to tighten their defensive discipline as they aim to climb the ladder in what is widely regarded as Australia's premier club rugby competition.
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