Bull Sharks hooker Ollie Barrett is bracing for a flood of childhood memories when he runs onto Rat Park for the Australian Rugby Club Championships this Saturday.
It was there that a 10-year-old Barrett first fell in love with rugby playing for the Warringah Rats with his mates.
This weekend they will be the enemy and the stakes much higher.
The Australian Rugby Club Championships pits the Queensland Hospital Cup premiers against the winners of Sydney’s Shute Shield, to determine Australia’s best rugby side.
The former Western Force hooker will play out a true full circle moment as he lines up for the Bond University against his old junior side.
“Playing for Bond Uni against the Rats is a real 360 moment,” Barrett said.
“I played for Warringah from U10s to U15s and I have some great memories from that time, so it's very special to be playing back on my home ground from where I grew up.”
Barrett made the move from Sydney to Brisbane to attend Nudgee College for Year 11 and 12 before he moved straight to Bond post school.
The 20-year-old played a one-year stint over at the Western Force, an experience he says helped developed his game.
“There are great coaches at the Force who really helped me strive to do my best at every session,” Barrett said.
“I really learnt a lot about myself over in the West.”
Bull Sharks head coach Mick Heenan says Barrett is a welcome addition to the team.
“It's awesome that Ollie is back. He played Colts here straight out of school,” Heenan said.
“He’s gone over to the Force, and he's come back a much fitter and a much more polished performer than he was when he left.
“He’s only been back for a couple of weeks at training, so hopefully he’ll give a good account of himself.”
Barrett also represented Australia in the U20 squad at the World Rugby Championships in Italy last year, where the Aussies secured fifth place after beating England 68-40.
“I was away playing in Italy when the Bond men won the premiership last year and therefore didn't get to celebrate with them,” Barrett said.
“I'm really honoured to be a part of the team to play at the Australian Rugby Club Championships.
“I really appreciate Heeno (Mick Heenan) for bringing me back to Bond. I feel like I’ve never really left and am so grateful to be playing for this awesome team.”