Max Douglas walks in father’s footsteps after signing with Waratahs

NSW have signed the teenage son of former Waratahs forward Cameron Douglas after fighting off interest from a heavyweight Super Rugby rival.

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The NSW Waratahs have staved off interest from the Brumbies to sign impressive Shute Shield talent Max Douglas.

The rangy 19-year-old forward was a standout in Manly’s 27-21 win over competition heavyweights Sydney University at University Oval on Saturday.

It’s a double celebration for Douglas after he signed a deal to join the Waratahs’ full-time squad for next season.

Starting at No.7 before moving into the second row in just his second game starting in the top grade, Douglas demonstrated his enormous potential both in the tough, physical graft and in open play.

Max Douglas in action for Manly. Picture: Adam MacDonald

He also made a statement after missing selection in the Australian side who will play Argentina in the semi-final of the under-20 World Cup on Tuesday morning in Argentina.

After representing Australia in the warm-up Oceania tournament, Douglas was cut from the final World Cup squad.

“I was pretty shattered, everyone was gunning for that,” Douglas said. “I just had to look at the bright side and I got to come back and play for Manly.”

While Douglas is eligible to play in the colts, he made the move to first grade a permanent one after making his debut against Eastwood.

“I really enjoyed it and made the decision I want more,” he said.

The son of former Waratahs forward Cameron Douglas is following in his father’s footsteps.

They are both Australian schoolboy representatives and his dad made his first grade debut for the Marlins when he was 19.

Douglas takes on the Students. Picture: Adam MacDonald

“He’s had a massive influence on my career and it’s always been my goal to follow him,” Douglas said.

After trailing 21-10 at halftime Manly fought back to grab their victory, keeping Uni scoreless on their home ground after the break.

“We knew it was going to be a big challenge coming to Uni, they always step up,” Douglas said.

“It was tough out there, they really gave it to us but we knew if we stayed in the fight we would come out with the rewards.”.

Marlins coach Brian Melrose said Douglas was one of the best young colts to come out of Manly for a long time.

“He made a decision he wanted to play grade which just shows his own confidence and I’m happy to back it,” Melrose said.

In a massive boil over West Harbour defeated Northern Suburbs 40-37 at Concord Oval after trailing 34-16 with just 10 minutes to go.

Wests fullback Noah Cooper and centre Tyler Fisher were standouts in the stunning victory.

Warringah moved to the top of the table following their 49-24 win over the Western Sydney Two Blues, Easts beat Souths 34-36 and Gordon defeated Randwick 19-17.

The ladder: Warringah 38, Eastwood 37, Norths 35, Sydney Uni 34, Manly 32, Easts 27, Gordon 24, Randwick 21, Souths 20, West Harbour 19. Western Sydney 7.