Rugby Confidential: Rebels star Jack Maddocks in secret talks to join NSW Waratahs
NSW is looking to a Wallabies try-scoring ace to boost their limp attack, a surprise name emerges in the national training camp and a big Brumbies boost - it’s all in Rugby Confidential.
Jack Maddocks could be a sensational replacement for Israel Folau at the Waratahs next year.
The Wallabies speedster has another year left to run on his contract with the Melbourne Rebels, but Rugby Confidential has learned of talks to bring Maddocks to Sydney next season.
Maddocks wants to play fullback, but the Rebels have already re-signed Dane Haylett-Petty, while NSW now has a big hole to fill with Folau sacked.
Kurtley Beale had been stepping in at No. 15, but with Bernard Foley set to defect to Japanese club Kubota Spears, Beale will be required as a frontline playmaker next season.
Maddocks, who hails from Sydney and is the best friend of Rabbitohs star Angus Crichton, would be a quality signing for the Tahs.
If Adam Ashley-Cooper heads back to Japan next year, Maddocks could anchor NSW’s back three alongside Alex Newsome and Cam Clark, while Mack Mason, Beale and Karmichael Hunt could form the midfield combination.
Meanwhile, Maddocks’ Melbourne teammate Campbell Magnay is a shock selection in a Wallabies wider training squad gathering in Sydney this weekend.
The extended squad does not feature Brumbies players, who are playing a quarter-final in Canberra against the Sharks on Saturday night.
Once the Brumbies players become available the training squad will be trimmed.
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will be returning from England to be available for The Rugby Championship in a clear sign he will be one of the three chosen for the World Cup.
Folau Fainga’a will certainly be another, leaving Jordan Uelese, Alex Mafi, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Tolu Latu battling for the last spot.
BERNIE’S REPLACEMENT
Shaun Berne is firming to be named as the Wallabies’ new attack coach, replacing the axed Stephen Larkham.
The Melbourne Rebels attack coach has a long history with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, having formed a connection at Randwick before Cheika coached him at Irish club Leinster.
CASH? HERE, NO CASH
Rugby Australia will not help Rugby WA pay a $1 million debt.
The cash-strapped Rugby WA has asked the Western Australia government for a bailout of the debt, which was part of a $2.4 million interest-free government loan given to the organisation to upgrade nib Stadium in 2009.
After the Western Force were cut from Super Rugby in 2017, Rugby WA has been left in a dire financial situation and has recently seen a 20 per cent decrease in senior player participation, leading them to request the bailout last week
RA boss Raelene Castle has met with Rugby WA and government officials in Perth this week, but when asked if her organisation would contribute to paying back the loan she replied: “Not at all.”
“We did meet with the state government and have discussions in relation to an outstanding debt from Rugby WA, there are certainly some in-depth conversations going on around how RugbyWA can service that debt in a way that is practical for them and also for the government to make sure that’s achievable and gives them comfort that that’s achievable,” Castle said.
“We were involved in those discussions and it was a good, positive meeting. We’re trying to find solutions that give both parties some certainty.”
BRUMBIES BOOST
Wallaby World Cup hopeful Henry Speight has been given the green light to attend what could be his own going away party and remind the Test selectors what he can do.
The Brumbies winger — who is heading to the Queensland Reds next season — was in danger of missing what may turn out to be the team’s last match in Canberra this season because of a foot injury.
But the veteran speedster has been cleared to resume playing so Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has rushed him straight back into the starting line-up for tomorrow night’s Super Rugby quarter-final against the Sharks.
The Brumbies could yet get a home semi-final, but only if they beat the Sharks and either the Crusaders or the Jaguares lose, so they’re approaching the match as those it’s the last in the nation’s capital this season.
That will make it an emotional farewell to Canberra for nine Brumbies, including the inspiring skipper Christian Lealiifano, but with a match to win, McKellar hasn’t got time for sentiment right now.
He made four changes to the starting 15 that beat the Reds last weekend. Speight will replace Andy Muirhead on the right wing while Toni Pulu returns on the left wing, taking over from Tom Wright.
Tom Cusack, who has done an outstanding job replacing David Pocock at open side flanker, returns to the starting side along with No. 8 Pete Samu.
Boom youngster Rob Valetini remains at blindside, with Lachlan McCaffrey and Jahrome Brown dropping back to a bench that includes forwards, in a pointer to what the Brumbies are expecting from their South African opponents.
Boasting the best Australian pack in Super Rugby, with an all-international front row of Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa book-ending hooker Folau Fainga’a, the Brumbies are on a six-game winning streak and haven’t lost at home since February, leading to plenty of calls for their players to dominate the World Cup squad.
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