Shute Shield rugby union: No half measures for diminutive Wildfires' No.9 Nick Murray in run-on debut against Manly

The diminutive 20-year-old did consider a serious attempt of adding bulk to his jockey-like frame.

In the end, he opted to make the most of what he has got.

Murray will make his run-on debut for the Hunter Wildfires against Manly at Manly Oval on Saturday.

Regular No.9 Leon Fokufuka, who is bigger than many back-rowers, shifts to inside centre before flying out to New Zealand on Sunday to join the Tongan squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Samoa.

For the record, Murray tips the scales at 68 kilograms and stands 172cm.

"I have always been one of the smallest in my side," the Gunnedah boy said. "You just have to make do.

"I looked at putting on more weight and was going to focus on that in the gym. But I have been told that my best asset is my speed. I didn't want to take away more than I gained. I am never going to be the biggest bloke on the field, so there is no point spending all my time trying to get big and end up slowing down."

Murray, in his first season out of colts, has been a regular off the bench in the top grade this season.

"He may only weigh 60 something kilograms but pound for pound he is one of our toughest," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "He doesn't shy away from contact and throws his body into everything. He just has a crack.

"He is a bundle of energy. He trains hard and is very dedicated.

"His speed and running game are his strengths. We are working on him picking his moments when to go and when not to."

A graduate of St Josephs College, Hunters Hill, Murray spent the past two season playing for Gordon Colts. At school he helped steer Joeys to a GPS title and was part of a strong Gordon side which finished third last season.

Keen for an opportunity, he transferred transferred a construction management degree to Newcastle and joined the Wildfires.

"Last year, I wondered how I would handle the step up to grade," Murray said. "To be honest, I haven't noticed that much of a difference. At full tilt, we have one of the biggest packs in the Shute Shield. Our forwards have been really good in that I haven't had to much of the hard lifting."

Most of Murray's time has been working on his pass, box kicks and combination with fly-half, Nate De Thierry.

"I try and put the ball in front of him perfect every time," Murray said. "He definitely lets me know when the service could be better."

The Wildfires sit one spot above Manly.

Coleman has rotated his props, with Blair Rush (loosehead) and Nick Dobson (tight head) to start.

"Manly rely on their forwards," Coleman said. "They have a big pack and tend to roll around the corner and try to run over people. We have to match their physicality and play smart field position.

"They are a bit like us and make a lot of silly mistakes. Field position will be crucial."

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