Newly capped Wallaby Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii headlines Waratahs squad

Following the NSW Waratahs’ poor season in 2024, new coach Dan McKellar will take charge of a new-look squad that’s headlined by the inclusion of Wallabies Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Isaac Kailea, and Darby Lancaster.

The Waratahs collected the figurative wooden spoon last time out after winning just two of 14 matches across the season. They did go through a staggering front row injury crisis during that campaign, which included the loss of Wallaby Angus Bell for most of the season.

But there’s plenty of reasons to be interested in and excited by the Waratahs ahead of the new season, with the Sydney-based Super Rugby Pacific club bringing in some massive signings. There is no bigger name in this list than Suaalii, who starred for the Wallabies last weekend against England.

In Suaalii’s first match of professional rugby union – at any level – the midfielder received Player of the Match honours as Australia recorded a famous win over the old foe. Rugby Australia’s marquee recruit joins a handful of other Wallabies by joining the Tahs.

Tupou and Kellaway have been regular starters for the Wallabies under national coach Joe Schmidt, while Kailea and Lancaster have also started Tests in 2024. As Leota, the backrower hasn’t donned Wallaby gold since last year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

“It’s great to be here at the Tahs, I’ve settled in really well,” Leota said in a statement after signing with the club.

“I’ve got good relationships with Belly, Porecki and a few other boys, but I’ve also got a lot of family in Sydney as well which has made the transition easier for me, especially leaving home for the first time.

“It’s good to obviously have som Rebels boys here as well that I’ve played with the last couple of years. Darby is a Wallaby now and I know that he and Kellaway will both be great additions to the Tahs next year.

“Dan McKellar was another big reason why I came here as well. He’s a coach that’s hard but fair. He’s going to expect us to work hard and concentrate on the little effort areas.

“I’m looking to use my experience to help the young boys here, especially the guys in my position. It’s about challenging myself too. I don’t want to come here and take a backwards step. I really want to enjoy my time here and get some good wins next year.

“I can’t wait to run out onto Allianz Stadium for the first time as a Tah.”

Tane Edmed is back for another season after a strong NPC stint with North Harbour in New Zealand. The playmaker has since been included in a Wallabies squad for the first time, but is yet to debut after missing selection for the Test at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

All that said, the Tahs have lost some talented players including Mark Nawaqanitawase to the NRL and Dylan Pietsch to the Western Force. Lachlan Swinton is another massive loss, with the former Wallaby heading to the Top 14 in France.

NSW Waratahs squad for 2025

Adrian Brown, Ale Aho, Andrew Kellaway*, Angelo Smith*, Angus Bell, Archie Saunders, Ben Grant*, Brad Amituanai, Charlie Gamble, Clem Halaholo, Daniel Botha, Darby Lancaster*, David Porecki, Ethan Dobbins*, Fergus Lee-Warner, Henry O’Donnell*, Hugh Sinclair, Isaac Kailea*, Jack Barrett, Jack Bowen, Jack Grant, Jackson Ropata, Jake Gordon, James Hendren, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii*, Julian Heaven, Lalakai Foketi, Langi Gleeson, Lawson Creighton*, Leafi Talatiana*, Lukhas Ripley, Mahe Vailanu, Max Jorgensen, Mesu Kunavula, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota*, Siosifa Amone*, Tane Edmed, Taniela Tupou*, Teddy Wilson, Thomas Lambert, Triston Reilly