Gerrard's sister act

WARRINGAH Rats star Mark Gerrard had a double reason to celebrate his recall to the Wallabies squad on Monday after four years in Test wilderness.

His sister Mo’onia was a member of the Australian netball side that won the world title by beating New Zealand at the death 58-57 in Singapore.

“I’m a very proud brother and I couldn’t be happier for her,” Gerrard said when he joined the 40-man squad at Coogee.

He spoke to Mo’onia and congratulated her before going into camp.

“I think they are two hours or an hour behind us and she didn’t sound the best but I could tell she was very happy, very pleased,” Gerrard said.

His selection in the Wallabies squad is also a big achievement after returning from a stint in Japan to join the Melbourne Rebels.

While the Rebels struggled and won only three games, 28-year-old Gerrard was consistently one of their best players.

“I am very glad I have made the decision to come back,” the versatile back said.

And he is back home as a wiser player who won’t let this chance go to waste.

“Prior to leaving Australia to play in Japan I probably didn’t appreciate where I was at the time,” Gerrard admitted.

“I just reflected on that when I was away for 18 months and I think it has paid off now.”

Leading into the Super season he wanted to prove to himself more than anyone else that he still had it at the top level.

“For me at this stage it is obviously about working forward and that is the ultimate goal to set foot in New Zealand come September time (for the World Cup),” Gerrard said.

“But to say that, it’s a lot of hard work from now and this is pretty much where it starts.”

Gerrard said his last Test against France in Lyon in 2007 was not his best memory.

“I played a whole two minutes and busted my knee,” he said.

“That was my last experience in the green and gold so hopefully I can have a bit longer than two minutes this time.”

And enthusiasm certainly won’t be an issue for Gerrard.

“It’s funny. I was talking to a couple of the boys and actually felt like a kid again going to school for the first time,” he said.

“Being back in this environment feels very refreshing and very pleasing to know where I am at and what I have done in my career.

“It’s great to be here and a great honour.

“For me it is a small step - hopefully I can take a big step later.”