NSW Waratahs sending out up to nine debutants in Super W opener v Force, including schoolgirl

A trio of debutants - including a super-fast schoolgirl - will help kick off the Waratahs Super W campaign with another six on the bench in a mass changing of the guard at the club.

Caitlyn Halse of the Waratahs during the Super Rugby Aupiki Trial Match in New Zealand.

The NSW Waratahs will send out their youngest ever debutant - a schoolgirl - in their opener of the Super W competition on Friday in a show of youth force never before seen at the club.

Sevens talent Caitlyn Halse is set to start for the Waratahs against Western Force at Allianz Stadium on Friday after impressing in training and scoring a try in the Tahs last trial against the Brumbies.

At 16 years, six months and six days she will be the youngest player at the club to debut with Ella Koster, now with the Newcastle Knights, running out at 16 years, seven months and 28 days last year.

Halse, a student at Magdalen College at Camden and with ties to Burraneer and Illawarra rugby, is one of the fastest players in the game and has the faith of coach Campbell Aitken after an impressive pre-season.

Rosie Ebbage playing for Darling Downs in under-17s Rugby Sevens back in 2018.

“She’s been super impressive at training and really impressive in the trial matches. Not much fazes her,’’ he said.

“Her speed and kicking ability are things that stand out.’’

The other two players slated to make their Waratahs debuts are lock forward Rosie Ebbage, who has relocated from Queensland to join the Tahs, and Ella Ryan, who has come to the Waratahs via the Brumbies.

“Ella, this is her first year with us and she has all the attributes to be a quality rugby player and now she is surrounded by experience I think she will just grow and grow,’’ Aitken said.

“Rosie Ebbage is from Queensland and in the wider Queensland squad but didn’t get picked.

“She is now relocating from Brisbane to Sydney.’’

Waratahs Super W players set to make their debuts include Bronte Wilson (second from left) and Caitlyn Halse (right)

Potential debutants named on the bench are another schoolgirl in Illawarra youngster and Figtree High student Bronte Wilson, Newcastle’s Georgia Chapple, Leilani Nathan, Jade Sheridan, and Katalina Amosa.

“We name squads with the intention of using people. We could have nine debutants,’’ Aitken said.

“This is exciting. I can’t wait.’’

Missing from the match will be the injured Eva Karpani (shoulder) and Sera Naiqama who has playing commitments in New Zealand.