MEREWETHER brought out English bookends Charlie Brown and David Whiting to anchor a scrum that has too often been shifted into reverse in big games.
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The Greens' set piece has arguably been the most improved in the competition. Tick.
"The reason we brought them out here was to improve the scrum and they have done that dramatically," Merewether co-coach Mick Gill said. "It was a matter of them getting match fit, used to the style of play in Newcastle and doing what they do best. Now we are starting to see that."
Brown is everything you would expect from an English front-rower. Stout, with a low centre of gravity, he is physically and technically strong at the set piece. The rest of his work is done cleaning out and carting the ball forward.
Whiting is cut from a different cloth. Standing 185cm and clocking the scales at 127 kilograms, down from 139kg on arrival, he adds size and bulk to the engine room.
But he is equally at home running two passes wide and putting players into space or off-loading in traffic. There has even been the odd kick ahead and into touch.
"They are polar opposites," Gill said. "Charlie plays really tight and does a lot of work few people see. Dave has the skills of a five-eighth. He has good hands, an offload, is always promoting the footy and giving us second phase opportunities."
Both are from different parts of England - Essex and Worcester - but have strong pedigrees.
Brown represented England under-18s and played for National Two League club Westcliff last season.
Whiting came through the Worcester Warriors (English Premiership) academy but has spent the past few seasons with the local Worcester side (tier six).
"The boys were a little bit shocked when they saw how I played," Whiting said. "I always try and be a little different ... attack space and throw the ball around. That is what I enjoy about rugby. It gives me a little bit of a different edge back home and has helped me fit in over here."
After a tough initiation against premiers Hamilton in round nine, both players have grown in influence and stature.
"Hamilton first up was obviously a big test and I was a bit off the pace," Whiting said. "Apart from doing a shitload of running, they play at a lot higher tempo out here. You are looking at one and two second rucks. I have had to adapt my game to play at that high tempo. I struggled a little bit at the start, but I am getting there now."
Off the field too, Whiting has revelled.
"The Greens are a great club and remind me of home," he said. "They are always getting down to the pub and having a few beers. It's a relaxed culture."
