Coast rugby union product Tate McDermott eyes off starting Wallabies spot in key position

Coast product Tate McDermott is continuing to better his game as he makes his selection push for the Wallabies starting halfback role.

Tate McDermott poses during the Australian Wallabies player portrait session at Event Cinemas Coomera on June 23, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)

Coast rugby union product Tate McDermott is the frontrunner for the Australian number nine jersey ahead of the Wallabies first of match against France on July 7.

After Australia’s current starting halfback Nic White suffered a knee injury ruling him out for the entire series, rugby fans called for McDermott to don the starting green and gold jersey for next week's opener at Suncorp Stadium.

McDermott, who attended Sunshine Coast Grammar School, said it had been positive competition to see who would be selected for the starting halfback position.

“Obviously I was gutted seeing Nic (White) go down so early in the camp,” he said.

“I can give him a lot of credit in terms of my kicking game and we’re still waiting to see if Jake (Gordon) will be back who has been in tremendous form.

“It’s really healthy competition in terms of that battle for the number 9 position.”

Tate McDermott passes during a Wallabies training session at Sanctuary Cove on June 29, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

McDermott said he’s really enjoyed being back in the squad and continuing to build on his core skills.

“I’ve still got a lot of improvement left in me through my core skills and that’s what you hear through Dave Rennie and Brad Thorn that are talking about my passing and kicking game,” he said.

“The time I spent with Will (Genia) taught me in order to progress I need to take that step up whether that’s talking in meetings a bit more or being that voice on the field which is something I’ve tried to focus on a bit more.”

The Wallabies junior squad including another Coast young gun, Carter Gordon, also started its training camp ahead of the Junior Oceania Competition.

McDermott said it was great to see Gordon’s rugby career progress after his performances in the Super Rugby competition.

“I was stoked for Carter to continue his success the way he is,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Carter and I always thought he was going to be a great rugby player so for someone of his age to line up and compete against the New Zealand Super Rugby sides the way he did was awesome.

“I was obviously hoping he stayed on at the Reds when he was here but the Rebels have got themselves a quality playmaker that they can build their program around.”