Rob Simmons will captain the NSW Waratahs for the first time this Friday, as his side heads to Dalby to take on the QLD Reds in their final pre-season hit out.
The squads Rugby World Cup Wallabies return to the fold as Rob Penney’s side look to build on an impressive performance last week against the Highlanders.
Penney will take a 28-man squad to rural Queensland with Simmons to start, Jack Dempsey and Michael Hooper returning to the backrow and Kurtley Beale to line up at fullback.
Beale’s inclusion sees Mark Nawaqanitawase shift to the wing with new recruit Jack Maddocks included on the reserves list.
Will Harrison will get his first start in the No.10 jersey, with Mack Mason to come off the bench.
NSW Waratahs pre-season team announcement v QLD Reds:
No. | Position | name |
1 | LOOSEHEAD PROP | TOM ROBERTSON |
2 | HOOKER | ROBBIE ABEL |
3 | TIGHTHEAD PROP | HARRY JOHNSON-HOLMES |
4 | LEFT LOCK | TOM STANIFORTH |
5 | RIGHT LOCK | ROB SIMMONS |
6 | LEFT FLANKER | JACK DEMPSEY |
7 | RIGHT FLANKER | MICHAEL HOOPER |
8 | NUMBER EIGHT | JED HOLLOWAY |
9 | SCRUMHALF | JAKE GORDON |
10 | FLYHALF | WILL HARRISON |
11 | LEFT WING | ALEX NEWSOME |
12 | INSIDE CENTRE | KARMICHAEL HUNT |
13 | OUTSIDE CENTRE | LALAKAI FOKETI |
14 | RIGHT WING | MARK NAWAQANITAWASE |
15 | FULLBACK | KURTLEY BEALE |
Replacements: | ||
16. | RESERVE | DAMIEN FITZPATRICK |
17. | RESERVE | RORY O'CONNOR |
18. | RESERVE | TETERA FAULKNER |
19. | RESERVE | PAT TAFA |
20. | RESERVE | LACHLAN SWINTON |
21. | RESERVE | CHARLIE GAMBLE |
22. | RESERVE | MITCH SHORT |
23. | RESERVE | MACK MASON |
24. | RESERVE | ANGUS BELL |
25. | RESERVE | RYAN MCCAULEY |
26. | RESERVE | JACK MADDOCKS |
27. | RESERVE | JOEY WALTON |
28. | RESERVE | CAM CLARK |
Vodafone Super Rugby preseason
Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs
Friday 24 January
Kick off: 7.30pm
Dalby Leagues Club