The NSW Waratahs are set to ignite their 2025 season with a highly anticipated pre-season trial match against NSW Pasifika. Head Coach Dan McKellar has announced a 27-player squad for the encounter, scheduled to take place this Saturday at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville, Sydney. This match against Pasifika marks a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their pre-season efforts and secure valuable game time.
McKellar has strategically selected a starting fifteen complemented by twelve replacements, ensuring broad player participation. Notably, winger Darby Lancaster is the sole returning Wallabies Spring tour player included in the lineup. This selection strategy underscores McKellar’s focus on evaluating players who have dedicated themselves to the rigorous pre-season training regimen.
“We want to provide an opportunity for the players who have done the majority of pre-season, who have worked hard here, a chance to get game time,” McKellar stated, highlighting the core objective of the trial. He further emphasized the significance of this first outing of 2025, adding, “It’s great that we can finally get our first game of 2025 off and running and give the boys a chance to wear the Waratahs jersey.”
When questioned about his expectations for Saturday’s game against Pasifika, McKellar’s response was clear and focused on foundational aspects. “I want to see transformation or transference of the behaviours we’re demanding of each other every day,” he explained. While acknowledging potential rugby execution errors, McKellar stressed the paramount importance of attitude: “We’re going to make mistakes. We won’t be perfect from a rugby point of view, but attitudinally it’s about the effort, the fight. I want to see it from the very first minute.” This emphasis on effort and commitment sets the tone for the Waratahs’ approach to the Pasifika challenge.
Despite recently being reappointed as NSW Waratahs captain for 2025, scrum-half Jake Gordon, a returning player from Wallabies duty, will not feature in this Pasifika match. Instead, leadership duties for this trial game fall to backrower Hugh Sinclair. Sinclair previously co-captained the team alongside Charlie Gamble during their Tokyo match against the Kubota Spears in November, demonstrating his leadership capabilities.
McKellar elucidated the decision, stating, “It was an easy choice. He isn’t overstated or doesn’t say too much when he talks, but when he does talk the players listen. He’s respected and very passionate about rugby union in New South Wales, and very passionate about the Waratahs.” This endorsement underscores Sinclair’s respected position within the team and his deep connection to NSW rugby.
Explaining the absence of other Wallabies returnees, McKellar pointed to their need for further preparation following their national team commitments. “The reality is that they need a couple of weeks of training, and at the intensity that we’ve been training here,” McKellar commented. He acknowledged the potential adjustment period, adding, “It’s probably been a shock to a few of them, but they’ll pick their conditioning and their fitness levels up quickly. They’ll be ready to go in the next couple of weeks.”
Saturday’s event promises a full day of rugby action, with the Waratahs versus Pasifika match headlining a Triple Header. The day commences with the NSW Waratahs Under 20s facing NSW Pasifika Under 20s at 1pm, followed by the main Waratahs vs Pasifika game at 4pm, and concluding with a clash between the NSW Waratahs Women and NSW Pasifika Women at 6pm. This triple header format underscores the depth of rugby talent within the NSW and Pasifika communities.
NSW Waratahs Team List vs NSW Pasifika:
- Loosehead Prop Tom Lambert
- Hooker Julian Heaven
- Tighthead Prop Daniel Botha
- Left Lock Felix Kalapu
- Right Lock Ben Grant
- Left Flanker Leafi Talataina
- Right Flanker Jamie Adamson
- Number Eight Hugh Sinclair (C)
- Scrumhalf Teddy Wilson
- Flyhalf Jack Bowen
- Left Wing Darby Lancaster
- Inside Centre Joey Walton
- Outside Centre Henry O’Donnell
- Right Wing Triston Rielly
- Fullback James Hendren
- Reserve Ethan Dobbins
- Reserve Adrian Brown
- Reserve Brad Amituanai
- Reserve Ale Aho
- Reserve Clem Halaholo
- Reserve Charlie Gamble
- Reserve Jack Grant
- Reserve Archie Saunders
- Reserve Joey Fowler
- Reserve Jackson Ropata
- Reserve –
- Reserve Siosifa Amone
Match Day Details:
- When: Saturday 25 January
- Where: Eric Tweedale Stadium, Granville
- Times:
- 1pm – NSW Waratahs U20s v NSW Pasifika U20s
- 4pm – NSW Waratahs v NSW Pasifika
- 6pm – NSW Waratahs Women v NSW Pasifika Women
Rugby enthusiasts unable to attend can catch all the action live and free on NSW Rugby TV via https://www.nswrugbytv.com.au/. Don’t miss this exciting pre-season opener as the Waratahs face off against Pasifika in what promises to be a compelling trial match.
