Ex-NRL player commits to rugby

Former NRL winger and Wallabies outside back Curtis Rona has signed a new two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies, re-committing to rugby until 2019.

Rona made the code switch from League this year, playing outside centre for the Western Force. He quickly became an emerging star, helping the franchise to a third-place finish in the Australian conference before earning a Wallabies call-up where he played three tests.

With the Force exiled from Super Rugby, Rona’s future was up in the air but his desire to play at the Rugby World Cup in 2019 affirmed his decision to stay.

“Having my first year with the Force made me more hungry to keep playing and sign on for the World Cup.”

“I felt with it only being my first year I thought I still haven’t played my best rugby yet is what made me want to stay as well.

“I just had to make sure I had the right deal for me and my family and make sure I got myself in the best position moving forward,” Rona said.

“I think I’ve done that with signing for the Waratahs for the next two years.”

Rona will have a chance at the Waratahs to cement himself as the first choice 13, with Wallaby Rob Horne moving overseas. The move will put Rona in arguably Australia’s most talented backline – with Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau.

“It’s a pretty star-studded backline and pretty humble people there in those roles… that sort of enticed me as well,” Rona said.

Rona reportedly had offers to go overseas or return to rugby league.

“A lot of people do pull the trigger early but I had my first taste of the green and gold jersey,” said Rona, who scored a try against the All Blacks on debut.

“It was a memorable moment for me and that’s what ultimately made me want to stay in rugby in Australia, because of that jersey.

“It was awesome. I just wanted more.”