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'He's an exciting, damaging player': Waratahs confirms signing of cross-code ex-Wallabies prospect

(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The NSW Waratahs have bolstered their backline stocks with the signing of former Brisbane NRL star Izaia Perese for the 2021 Super Rugby season.

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The damaging outside back has joined Rob Penney’s squad for the next two seasons.

Perese, formerly contracted with Bayonne in the Top 14 in France, earned 17 caps for the Reds in 2016 and 2017 before making the switch to the Broncos.

An Australian schoolboy and under-20s representative, Perese returns to Australia after a COVID-effected stint in France.

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NSWRU general manager of rugby, Tim Rapp, said Perese was a welcome addition to the squad’s backline stocks, especially after the departure of several experiences heads including Karmichael Hunt and Kurtley Beale.

“We’ve seen what Izaia is capable of in his previous stint in Super Rugby,” Rapp said.

“He’s an exciting, damaging player who gives another point-of-difference within our backline.

“It was a short stint for Izaia in France and when we became aware he wanted to be back in Australia it was quickly evident this was a great fit for both parties.

“We certainly need to acknowledge some of the recent issues Izaia had during his time with the Broncos, and it’s something that we’ve spoken about with him at length.

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“He understands the expectations we have of everyone within our organisation and we’re looking forward to supporting his transition into the Waratahs environment.”

Coach Penney said he was looking forward to working with Perese.

“Izaia comes extremely well-regarded and having seen his previous work in Super Rugby, we’re excited to have him on board for the next two seasons,” Penney said.

“He’s worked with Gilly (Jason Gilmore) back in Queensland, so I’ve been able to get great background on his athletic ability and how he can contribute to our backline.

“Izaia’s addition gives us good depth across the midfield and back three given his versatility.

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“With plenty of competition for places, we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the group when everyone returns fresh from the Christmas break.”

Perese said it was a relief to be returning to Australia and he was excited to be joining the Waratahs.

“It’s been extremely tough being overseas throughout COVID and while I enjoyed my time in Bayonne, I’m really happy to be coming home,” he said.

“The Waratahs are a club I’m now proud to be a part of and having spoken to people in and around the club, there’s a lot to be excited about leading into 2021.

“I’m just looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and letting my footy do the talking.

“It’s been a challenging 12 months, but I know that being at the Waratahs is the best place for me both professionally and personally.”

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RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Three-way race to be number one in World Rugby men's rankings

IF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.


As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.


Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).

This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.

If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.

Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.

After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.

Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.


Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)

Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.

Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.


Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.


Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:


Seeding Band 1

IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG

Seeding Band 2

SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: FIJI

1/8 final opponent GEORGIA

Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA

1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND

Prognosis: You know the prognosis


I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?


Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.

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