How Coogee stairs help Henry O’Donnell, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii fullback for Waratahs debut, squad named

It’s a time he hated with a passion but this painful interlude in Waratahs young gun Henry O’Donnell’s life could well pave the way to his future success in the game. Tahs v Brumbies squads

Henry O'Donnell in training with the Waratahs. Picture: Waratahs Media

It’s a time he hated with a passion but this painful interlude in centre Henry O’Donnell life could be the key to his future success in rugby.

Weeks of hard yakka on the infamous Coogee death stairs, sometimes dubbed the stairs of doom, beloved by fitness trainers and enthusiasts alike but dreaded by most for the steep ascent.,

The steepest steps in Sydney which have cult status and in O’Donnell’s case have left a lasting impression after he tore his hamstring three times in a short space of time last year -including playing for Norths in the Shute Shield decider won by Easts.

“The hamstring is feeling good. I did it in the semi-final and redid it in the final and then two weeks after so it took about four months (to rehab),’’ said O’Donnell, who has returned to his home state after a season with Western Force where he made his Super Rugby Pacific debut.

“We did the Coogee stairs with the rehab guys. They are so hard. When we can’t fully run we do the stairs

“ I hate them so much but I think it's a big part of us being fighting fit.’’

O’Donnell has been named on the bench for the Waratahs Super Rugby trial with the ACT Brumbies in Bowral on Saturday where Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will make his long awaited debut for the Waratahs as fullback.

Henry O'Donnell in training with the Waratahs. Picture: Waratahs Media

Suaalii is one of 13 Wallabies in the team named to play at Eridge Park in Bowral.

O’Donnell, who grew up playing rugby for the Mosman Whales and a pathway player for the Waratahs turned heads with a four-try haul over five games at the 2023 U20s World Cup.

Behind a log-jam of talent in the midfield, he moved to Force to make his debut before being signed with a Tahs side overhauled after finishing with the wooden spoon last season.

“It’s good to be back. I’m glad to be home,’’ O’Donnell said. “It’s a dream come true really.’’

So too is one day representing his country like so many of his teammate in the Waratahs.

“I want to be a big contributor for the Waratahs, that’s the goal right now’’ said O’Donnell, who has piled on six kilos in a tough pre-season.

Henry O'Donnell

New coach Dan McKellar said the Bowral trial is to provide opportunity for as many players as possible ahead of the Waratahs opener of the Super Rugby Pacific season on February 14 against the Highlanders.

“There’s a lot, lot of players here who have worked incredibly hard over recent months. They got a good opportunity last week against NSW Pasifica,’’ he said.

“Then there’s the players who have returned [from Wallabies commitments] over the last few weeks. They’ll get an opportunity this week.

“And that’s what it comes down to … a chance for everyone to put their best foot forward for selection for 14 February.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of Australia runs with the ball as he is tackled by Sione Tuipulotu of Scotland during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between Scotland and Australia. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

NSW Waratahs team to play in Bowral trial 1. Loose-head Prop Angus Bell, 2. Hooker David Porecki, 3. Tight-head Prop Daniel Botha, 4. Left Lock Ben Grant, 5. Right Lock Miles Amatosero, 6. Left Flanker Rob Leota, 7. Right Flanker Charlie Gamble, 8. Number Eight Langi Gleeson, 9. Scrumhalf Jake Gordon ©, 10. Fly half Tane Edmed, 11. Left Wing Max Jorgensen, 12. Inside Centre Joey Walton, 13. Outside Centre Lalakai Foketi, 14. Right Wing Andrew Kellaway, 15. Fullback Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 16. Reserve Julian Heavan, 17. Reserve Isaac Kailea, 18. Reserve Felix Kalapu, 19. Reserve Hugh Sinclair, 20. Reserve Jamie Adamson, 21. Reserve Triston Reilly, 22. Reserve Lawson Creighton, 23. Reserve Darby Lancaster, 24. Reserve Jack Grant, 25. Reserve Henry O’Donnell, 26. Reserve Leafi Talataina 27. Reserve 28. Reserve Taniela Tupou.

ACT BRUMBIES to play in Bowral: Blake Schoupp, Liam Bowron. Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw. Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii-Tualima, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ben O’Donnell, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead, Finishers: Lington Ieli, Billy Pollard, Lachlan Lonergan Timma Fainga’anuku, Rhys van Nek, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Hooper, Eli Langi, Jack Condon, Judah Saumaisue, Klayton Thorn, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Austin Anderson, Kadin Pritchard, Shane Wilcox.