A new-look NSW Waratahs side will take to the field for the first time in 2018 for the opening pre-season match on 2 February.
The side features a new captain and seven players in the starting XV who will make their NSW Waratahs debut against the Highlanders in New Zealand’s adventure city of Queenstown.
Hooker Damien Fitzpatrick will captain the team for the first time while prop Harry Johnson-Holmes, locks Nick Palmer and Tom Staniforth, flanker Will Miller, centre Lalakai Foketi, and wingers Alex Newsome and Curtis Rona will all wear the NSW Waratahs jersey for the first time.
NSW Waratahs Coach Daryl Gibson said the importance of pre-season games should not be underestimated.
“These matches provide us with the opportunity to test combinations while at the same time give the players who have completed the majority of pre-season the opportunity to perform and build our team identity. All the players have been super in their approach and deserve an opportunity. Friday night’s game will give us an excellent assessment on where we are at in our preparation cycle,” he said.
“I have made it very clear to the team that 2018 is about delivering on our potential, performing and being at our best. The young players are hungry to push for a regular spot in the starting line-up, which creates healthy competition in the squad,” he added.
Fitzpatrick is relishing the chance to lead from the front.
“While the captaincy was unexpected, to be asked to captain the Waratahs in any capacity, whether in a preseason game or not, is a huge honour and I’m very grateful. I am proud to play for the NSW Waratahs and as a team we are ready to go out and display a new focus in 2018,” he said.
“The game is a great opportunity for a group of players who have been working hard from day one this pre-season to show their talent. There are also a number of players who will wear the sky blue for the first time. The Highlanders are always a strong team so it will provide us with an opportunity to practice our game under pressure and away from home.”
Friday’s match kicks off at 1800 (NZT); 1600 (AEDT). Regular score updates will be available on the NSW Waratahs website and social media channels.
NSW Waratahs team:
15. Andrew Kellaway, 14. Curtis Rona, 13. Lalakai Foketi, 12. Irae Simone, 11. Alex Newsome, 10. Mack Mason, 9. Jake Gordon, 8. Michael Wells, 7. Will Miller, 6. Brad Wilkin, 5. Tom Staniforth, 4. Nick Palmer, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2. Damien Fitzpatrick (captain), 1. Paddy Ryan.
Reserves: Hugh Roach, Tom Robertson, Shambeckler Vui, Ryan McCauley, Lachlan Swinton, Mitch Short, Seb Wileman, Maclean Jones, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Ned Hanigan, Rory O’Connor, Kelly Meafua
