Hickey needs more time to name Waratahs

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey says he still needs time to settle on a starting side and bench for NSW’s opening Super Rugby clash against Melbourne on Friday.

With an injury cloud hanging over several players, Hickey named a 25-man squad on Tuesday, but stopped short of announcing the team which will take the field against the Rebels, who are making their debut in the competition.

Hickey said he was assessing the fitness of No.8 Wycliff Palu, centre Rob Horne and prop Benn Robinson.

NSW will likely finalise their side on Wednesday or Thursday.

“Rob (Horne) got some good game time in the curtain-raiser last week and came through that well, and we’ve also had Tom Carter, Ryan Cross and Lachie Turner who have performed well in the centres,” Hickey said.

“We need to make sure his return comes at the right time.

“Benn Robinson hasn’t featured in the trials with the calf strain he picked up a few weeks ago, but he’s completed all the rehab and passed all the tests that have been asked of him so we’re pretty confident there.

“Cliffy is one we need to keep an eye on with the hamstring injury he picked up in Nowra.

“We have to be mindful that he’s coming back from a serious knee injury as well and has been out for ten months, but he’s also one of the best players in the world in his position and can have a huge impact on any match he’s involved in.”

Waratahs Squad:
Backs: Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Tom Carter, Ryan Cross, Daniel Halangahu, Rob Horne, Brendan McKibbin, Drew Mitchell, Afa Pakalani, Lachie Turner.

Forwards: Chris Alcock, Al Baxter, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Jeremy Tilse, Sitaleki Timani, Phil Waugh (c).