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Wallaby set to return, rising star to start as Tahs name team for pre-season blockbuster
By Finn Morton
Rising star Max Jorgensen has been named to start in the NSW Waratahs’ first-preseason trial against the ACT Brumbies in Griffith on Saturday.
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Heralded as a generational talent, the Waratahs fended off interested from both rugby league and union to sign the schoolboy sensation on a two-year deal last September.
Jorgensen hasn’t played a Super Rugby match for the Waratahs yet, but was named as a development player for Australia A’s tour of Japan last year.
Clearly, Rugby Australia see big things in the teenagers future.
After being toted as a schoolboy star, Jorgensen will have his first opportunity to star at Super Rugby level in this weekend’s trial against the Brumbies.
Jorgensen is one of four Waratahs debutants in the first-half team, including Taleni Seu, former LA Giltinis halfback Harrison Goddard, and former Crusaders winger Namani Nadolo.
The team boasts an exciting mix of potential and experience, which includes Mahe Vailau at hooker. Vailanu was sensational with the LA Giltinis in America.
Wallaby Ned Hanigan is set to pack down aloangside Taleni Seu in the second-row, while Charlie Gambel has been named at openside flanker.
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Blindside flanker Lachie Swinton has also been named to return after missing almost all of last year’s campaign with an injury.
Moving onto the backs, the halves combinations is potentially one that could be seen for many years to come.
Goddard was sensational during his time in the United States, having won the Major League Rugby championship alongside Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Coper at the Giltinis.
The 24-year-old, who has played with the Rebels in the past, is set to pair up with Wallaby Ben Donaldson.
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Playmaker Tane Edmed will start in the midfield alongside Harry Wilson, while Fijian international Nemani Nadolo is set to start on the ring wing.
Jorgensen will start out the back for the Tahs.
But it’s a game of two halves for the Waratahs, who have named a very different side for their second half against the Brumbies.
Wallabies Tolu Latu and Langi Gleeson will both don Sky Blue during the second-half.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman said the staff and players “are super excited” about “finally” playing some rugby after a long pre-season.
“After 13 solid training weeks, the staff and players are super excited to finally play some rugby,” Coleman said in a statement.
“I feel we’re in a different stage of our development that this trail alt year, we’ve had a lot more time together and the boys have greater clarity in how we want to play.
“These trials are a great opportunity to reward the boys who have worked hard through the pre-season, get them some game time, and allow them to compete for round one spots.
“The Brumbies as always will be a stern test and a great way to kick off our run of pre-season fixtures.”
WARATAHS 1st HALF TEAM
- Te Tera Faulkner
- Mahe Vailanu
- Archer Holz
- Ned Hanigan
- Taleni Seu
- Lachie Swinton
- Charlie Gamble
- Will Harris
- Harrison Goddard
- Ben Donaldson
- Dylan Pietsch
- Tane Edmed
- Harry Wilson
- Nemani Nadolo
- Max Jorgensen
WARATAHS 2nd HALF TEAM
- Tom Lambert
- Tolu Latu
- Tiaan Tauakipulu
- Zane Marolt
- Ola Tauelangi
- Michael Icely
- Hunter Ward
- Langi Gleeson
- Teddy Wilson
- Jack Bowen
- Harry Wilson
- Henry O’Donnell
- Mosese Tuipulotu
- James Hendren
- Ben Dowling
RESERVES
Sateki Latu, Thomas Maka, Fritz Jahnke-Tavana
