Wallabies flyer Curtis Rona named to make Waratahs debut v Highlanders
NEW recruit and Wallabies back Curtis Rona will play his first match for the Waratahs in their opening pre-season trial against the Highlanders in Queenstown, while Daryl Gibson’s side also includes a ‘surprised’ first-time captain.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NEW recruit and Wallabies back Curtis Rona will play his first match for the NSW Waratahs in their opening pre-season rugby trial against the Highlanders in Queenstown.
Former Western Force and Canterbury Bulldogs NRL star Rona won three Test caps in his maiden season of senior rugby last year.
Prop Paddy Ryan is the only other Wallabies player named in the starting side though there are three on the bench in fellow front-rower Tom Robertson, lock/flanker Ned Hanigan and winger Taqele Naiyaravoro.
Rona, who played primarily at outside centre for the Force, was named on the wing for Friday’s match.
He was one of seven players listed to have their first run for the Waratahs.
Their other starting winger will be another former Force back, Alex Newsome, while ex-Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth is also among the Tahs newcomers.
LIVE stream the Hamilton Sevens tournament on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week Foxtel Now trial & start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >
“These matches provide us with the opportunity to test combinations while at the same time give the players who have completed the majority of pre-season the opportunity to perform and build our team identity,” Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said.
“All the players have been super in their approach and deserve an opportunity.
“Friday night’s game will give us an excellent assessment on where we are at in our preparation cycle.
“I have made it very clear to the team that 2018 is about delivering on our potential, performing and being at our best.
“The young players are hungry to push for a regular spot in the starting line-up, which creates healthy competition in the squad.”
LISTEN: Aussie sevens co-captain Shannon Parry joins The Splash, Karmichael Hunt discussion
SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPLASH ON iTUNES
Hooker Damien Fitzpatrick will captain the team for the first time.
“While the captaincy was unexpected, to be asked to captain the Waratahs in any capacity, whether in a pre-season game or not, is a huge honour and I’m very grateful,” Fitzpatrick said.
“I am proud to play for the NSW Waratahs and as a team we are ready to go out and display a new focus in 2018.
“The game is a great opportunity for a group of players who have been working hard from day one this pre-season to show their talent.
“There are also a number of players who will wear the sky blue for the first time.
“The Highlanders are always a strong team so it will provide us with an opportunity to practice our game under pressure and away from home.”
The Highlanders, meanwhile, have named a side featuring the surprise return of All Blacks fullback Ben Smith.
Smith hasn’t played since New Zealand’s 35-29 win over Australia in October but returned early from his sabbatical to start training with the Highlanders in December.
Other interesting inclusions in the Highlanders side are tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax, who was lured home to NZ after representing the Rebels and Australia under-20, and blindside flanker Shannon Frizell, the younger brother of Kangaroos backrower Tyson.
Shannon grew up in Tonga while Tyson grew up in Australia.
“There is plenty of competition within the team,” said new Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger.
“Some guys there who have a bit of experience and then there are some new guys.
“We’ll see how they go in the next couple of games and learn a bit about them.’’
WARATAHS (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Curtis Rona, Lalakai Foketi, Irae Simone, Alex Newsome, Mack Mason, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Will Miller, Brad Wilkin, Tom Staniforth, Nick Palmer, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Damien Fitzpatrick (c), Paddy Ryan
Reserves: Hugh Roach, Tom Robertson, Shambeckler Vui, Ryan McCauley, Lachlan Swinton, Mitch Short, Seb Wileman, Maclean Jones, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Ned Hanigan, Rory O’Connor, Kelly Meafua
HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Ben Smith (c), Josh Timu, Terrance Hepetema, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Nabura, Josh Ioane, Josh Renton, Adam Knight, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Tyrel Lomax, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Guy Millar, Kalolo Tuiloma, Siate Tokolahi, Jackson Hemopo, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Ryan Tongia, Flynn Thomas, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tom Franklin, Dan Pryor, Marino Makaele-Tu’u, Rob Thompson, Matt Faddes, Tevita Li, Josh McKay
Originally published as Wallabies flyer Curtis Rona named to make Waratahs debut v Highlanders
Rugby, family, and the moment that changed Suaalii’s life forever
Rugby’s $5 million man, cross-code superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been big news since he was 14-years old, now Jamie Pandaram reveals the complex character behind the headlines.
Reds primed for Super season
The Reds don’t want to waste their good work on a successful pre-season tour of the United Kingdom when they kick-off their Super Rugby Pacific season later this month.