How Joey Walton overcame injury drama to become NSW Waratahs 179th captain as Joseph Suaalii returns

Backyard battles and getting roughed up as a kid helped this Waratah learn the toughness to survive and thrive - and now become the Waratahs 179th captain as Joseph Suaalii returns.

Joey Walton celebrating a try during the round. Pictur: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Rugby centre Joey Walton spent almost more time off the field than on it at the start of his Super Rugby career - and in one instance might not have made it back but a ferocious competitiveness honed in backyard battles with his big brother.

The Central Coast product, who started rugby only because he wanted to played the same sport as brother Luke, broke his ankle in a tackle back in the opening round of the 2021 competition and the very next pre-season did his ACL which put him out for seven months.

Not long after that return he woke one morning in the pre-season with a numb left leg which eventually required surgery for a herniated disc in his spine.

“I couldn’t feel my foot and calf and hamstring just felt real funny and it just got worse,” Walton said,

“I had surgery later that week and it was OK. I had 12 weeks out and then returned in round five of Super Rugby 2023. I came back pretty fast.’’

TAHS DEBUTANT FLIES

Joey Walton kicking in atrocious conditions last season.

Walton said while he was a bit injury prone for a period, he is “a good healer’’ and hasn’t had anything major since, playing the back half of 2023 and then 24 without major incident.

“I’ve been sweet since. I just had that little one in round one (groin injury) which cost me a game,’’ he said.

Now, as the inside centre and his teammates prepare for round seven Super Rugby Pacific match, Walton has been named the Tahs 179th captain and will lead the side into battle against the Hurricanes on Friday night in Wellington, New Zealand.

The match will mark the return of Suaalii from a round one toe injury.

The Central Coast product is now fighting fit.

FUTURE: Duo impress in Tahs v Brumbies U20 battle

INSIGHT:Game still inspiring this Waratah

Walton, who got a squad call-up to the Wallabies last year, said growing up trying to better his older, bigger brother helped him develop an intense competitiveness which has helped him though his injury humps.

“He was eight years older and any time we did anything when I was younger, to win or get anywhere close, I had to be really competitive,’’ Walton said.

“I don’t think he ever took it easy on me.

“In backyard cricket I was always losing my stuff. I’d try and fight him but he was too big and too old. I don’t think I ever did any damage.’’

“So even returning from injuries, what ever time frame they give me, I make sure I beat it.

“Any game I do, I just can’t help myself, I just want to win.’’

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