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In a double dose of good news for Australian rugby, starting Wallabies outside backs Mark Nawaqanitawase and Tom Wright have re-signed with Rugby Australia.
As rumours swirled of potential big name league signings, RA have kept their priorities in order, locking down two of the most exciting young talents in the game.
Nawaqanitawase, who along with Nick Frost was the breakout star of 2022, is understood to have signed a one-year deal.
It’s a smart piece of business on both party’s behalf because the 22-year-old’s ceiling is enormous, but many players haven’t always been able to back-up one season of fire with another.
What’s more, with private equity around the corner, there is every chance Nawaqanitawase’s value could go up.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has re-signed with Australian rugby on a short-team, one-year deal. Photo: David Davies, Getty Images
Standing at 192cm, the Waratahs winger, who scored a double on debut in Super Rugby against the Crusaders in 2020 before riding through a two-year bumpy journey and coming out the other end, is the tallest back in the Wallabies line-up.
His height, aerial prowess, ability to free his arms (he’s ranked second in Super Rugby with his nine successful offloads) and find the try-line is a point of difference.
Those factors, including his willingness to rove and hunt for the ball, stood out last November as he blew away observers against Ireland and Wales during his first tour with the Wallabies.
Wright, meanwhile, has signed a two-year extension with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia.
His retention is a boost ahead of the World Cup, with the 25-year-old attracting interest across the globe.
Wright has brought a new dimension to the Brumbies’ attack this year, with his playmaking ability challenging defences in a way Tom Banks couldn’t.
Tom Wright has signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia. Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
Elusive and electric, Wright’s willingness to run and hold the ball in two hands was on display last year for the Wallabies as he moved closer to the action.
After bursting onto the international scene with a try with his first touch against the All Blacks in Brisbane, Wright looms as the favourite to wear the No.15 jersey for the Wallabies this year.
Although Jock Campbell and Andrew Kellaway are safer options, Wright has the ability to make things happen and offers the side a renewed sense of X-factor in much the way the elusive Willie le Roux provides the Springboks.
Importantly, too, Wright is growing with every performance in the No.15 jersey.
Tom Wright has brought an added playmaking dimension to the Brumbies. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
He was forced to learn on the run last year at fullback for the Wallabies, having only played a handful of matches in the role with then-Brumbies teammate Banks holding a mortgage on the role. Mistakes – knowing when to run and kick – were bound to occur.
They still are present in his game. He got caught running into the teeth of the defence against the Blues in Melbourne, but has shown a rising sense of maturity and knowledge with every match this season.
The key signing developments come as RA close in on schoolboy sensation Joseph Suaalii.
The 19-year-old, who played on the wing for the Australian Schoolboys, turned down RA’s advances under the previous administration and coach before signing with the Roosters.
His name has been the talk of the town all week, particularly after his agent Issac Moses had his RUPA accreditation provisionally approved.
It’s believed his signature is in the balance.
Joseph Suaalii looms as the biggest cross-code signing since Israel Folau. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Suaalii has been on record saying he wants to make the switch to rugby union at some point in his career. His teammates at the Roosters also expect him to one day make that switch, too.
Earlier this month he signed a one-year extension to stay at the Roosters until the end of 2024. It’s believed he did so after the Roosters put pressure on him to re-sign.
Meanwhile, as first reported by The Roar earlier this month, Eddie Jones has signed his former England assistant Neal Hatley as the side’s new scrum coach.
Hatley is currently forwards coach for English Premiership Bath and will join up Eddie Jones in May. He was on the coaching staff as Jones led England to the World Cup final in 2019.
Hatley is a former prop who played 193 matches in the Premiership for Bath and Bedford.
Bath head coach Neal Hatley watches his players warm up prior to the Gallagher Premiership match The AJ Bell Stadium, Salford. Picture date: Friday February 12, 2021. (Photo by Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images)
The Wallabies also announced David Rath will join the staffing group as “Learning Coordinator”. He joins from St Kilda Football Club where he has held a number of roles in High Performance, including 15 years Hawthorn where he won four flags.
It’s understood his role will include being an analyst with the Wallabies as well as playing a key role in shaping the culture of the squad.
“I’m honoured to join Eddie and the Wallabies in what’s a massive year with the World Cup just over five months away,” Hatley said in a statement.
“While my focus is here with Bath at the moment, I know there’s plenty of potential within the playing group in Australia and I’m looking forward to maximising that when I begin the role.”
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said: “It’s great to have Neal and David on board with the Wallabies.”
“Neal’s a coach with a tremendous amount of experience and knows what’s required to be successful at International level.
“David has worked with the best coaches in the AFL and will bring a skill set that will help aid or learning environment.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.