Michael Hooper excited by Ned Hanigan’s potential after being named in first Wallabies squad

THE moment Ned Hanigan went out of his way to knock over Marika Koroibete while scoring a try was when Michael Hooper realised he had a big future.

THE moment Ned Hanigan went out of his way to knock over Marika Koroibete while scoring a try was when Michael Hooper there was a big future ahead for the shaggy-haired youngster.

“Bumping a fantastic winger in Marika when he was pretty much over the try line — I loved that personally in Ned; his want to take on really class players,” Hooper said.

“My message would be don’t stop there, keep going.”

Ned Hanigan has been a shining light for the disappointing Waratahs. Picture: AAP

Just days after Hanigan, 22, was named as a bolter in the Wallabies’ June Test squad, Hooper challenged his NSW teammate to show why with a dominant display against the Chiefs on Saturday in Hamilton.

The Waratahs lost control of their finals destiny last week but Hanigan and Jack Dempsey being named by Michael Cheika was a morale booster in camp this week.

“We want them to really make a mark on the game and show what they can do,” Hooper said.

Dempsey went on the spring tour last year but Hanigan’s growth from bench lock to starting No.6 — and possible Test debutant — has impressed Hooper immensely.

LISTEN: Iain Payten and Jamie Pandaram break down the Wallabies’ squad for June and discuss all the Super Rugby talking points

“A couple of years he ago ... he was still the same loud vocal person but a real thin, wiry backrower,” Hooper said.

“For Ned, hard work pays off and I am really happy for him. I am really excited to see where he can take his game and how it could develop.

“Being around a different coach (in June) and in a different environment and competing for sport, hopefully he goes up another gear and develop guys further.”

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Hanigan showed last week his skill game could be an untapped asset with a lovely one-handed offload. But even with growing still to do, already the young flanker’s raw physicality and undaunted attitude has led to him making big impacts in the contact zone.

“When you are playing with other guys in the field, intent is a huge booster and picks your enthusiasm up,” Hooper said.

“It doesn’t matter if you have been there one, 10 or 15 years, seeing other guys just want to beat the opposition both individually and physically is a huge booster. We’ve seen great moments from Ned.”

Hanigan on the charge against the Hurricanes.

The Waratahs have spoken repeatedly about a desire to piece together an 80-minute effort and to beat the Chiefs, they’ll have no other choice.

The Waikato men have plenty on the line. No one can catch the unbeaten Crusaders but the Chiefs are fighting to position themselves in a higher finals spot so they’ll avoid an away final in South Africa.

On top of that, All Blacks veteran Stephen Donald is celebrating his 100th Super Rugby game.

“It is a huge milestone for them and their team but it is not going to change the game for us,” Hooper said. “We just have to start well.”

CHIEFS (15-1): Damian McKenzie, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Stephen Donald, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (c), Mitchell Brown, Brodie Retallick, Dominic Bird, Nepo Laulala, Nathan Harris, Kane Hames

Reserves: Liam Polwart, Siegfried Fisi’hoi, Atu li, Taleni Seu, Mitchell Karpikk, Jonathan Taumateine, Tim Nanai-Williams, Solomon Alaimalo

WARATAHS (15-1): Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (c), Ned Hanigan, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson

Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Angus Taavao, David McDuling, Jed Holloway, Jack Dempsey, Matt Lucas, Bryce Hegarty.

Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)

Originally published as Michael Hooper excited by Ned Hanigan’s potential after being named in first Wallabies squad