Super Rugby: Izaia Perese knocks back NRL interest to stay with Waratahs

NRL supercoach Wayne Bennett’s recruiting raid for the Dolphins has failed to land one future star.

Izaia Perese is sticking with the Waratahs. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Izaia Perese isn’t sure if NRL supercoach Wayne Bennett was chasing him to join the Dolphins in 2023 but never entertained serious talks after re-signing with the Waratahs and Australian rugby.

A former Brisbane Bronco and one-time teammate of Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga, Perese said the Waratahs taking a risk on him after his “chequered past” demanded loyalty rather than making a return to rugby league with Bennett.

Perese’s signature is major boost for NSW and Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, who capped the 24-year-old for the first time last year and will have plans for the centre to feature against England when they tour in July and through to the 2023 World Cup as well.

Amid reports he was being courted by Bennett to return to the NRL next year with the new Dolphins franchise, Perese said another code switch was not really a consideration.

“We definitely opened up shop when we were sort of looking but in a sense there was no serious talk,” Perese said.

“I think that was just a huge rumour. Whether or not Wayno wanted me there, I was pretty happy to be down here at the Tahs.”

Perese has finally found some balance after being released by the Reds in 2018 to join the Broncos where he was cut by the club in 2019 due to drug-supply charges.

Izaia Perese was one a Bronco. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

He pleaded guilty in 2020 and took up a short-term contract in France, playing for Bayonne, but struggled away from his family and wanted to come home.

On the recommendation of Waratahs assistant coach Jason Gilmore, who coached Perese alongside Kalyn Ponga as schoolboys in 2014, NSW signed Perese on a two-year deal.

He debuted for the Tahs last year, went on to play for Australia and said he needed to “give back” after the faith shown in him.

“The opportunity the Tahs gave me when I first came, they took a huge risk because they don’t know me. I made headlines before leaving for France, with drug charges and stuff, so they don’t know what they’re getting with me,” Perese said.

“So in a sense they took a huge gamble on me, and I am forever grateful for that. That played a huge factor into why I wanted to stay and hence why I am playing. Doing my very best week-in, week-out, is the least I can do to give back and try and make this team great again.”

💛 Izzy Perese's sticking around!#Wallabiespic.twitter.com/pDWFDS4kqt

— Wallabies (@wallabies) March 7, 2022

Rennie said Perese, who has signed on until the end of 2024, was just “scratching the surface” of what he could do.

“He has a real point of difference in the way he can create genuine impact on both sides of the ball,” he said.

“We feel he’s still scratching the surface of what he’s capable of as a player, and this new contract will allow him to settle in Sydney with his young family which will create a positive environment for him to continue to grow.”

Originally published as Super Rugby: Izaia Perese knocks back NRL interest to stay with Waratahs