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As a Waratahs member, I jumped at the chance to attend an open training session last week with my son at the club’s new headquarters, in Daceyville.
Ryan McCauley, who has the biggest thighs since the original Hulk, was great and Irae Simone is a natural with the kids. But, most importantly to my boy was getting every single one of the Waratahs’ autographs on his shirt.
The Tahs do not get enough credit for the good things they do and so it should be said that they were all open and polite to fans chasing them for signatures or a quick chat.
So, for the diehard fans, what were some of the scoops?
Israel Folau was watched closely and we were pleased to see him in full flight and leading the charge in their ball-work and fitness session. He looked sharp and the true fans have either forgiven him, or simply don’t care about his religious beliefs. Either way, there was only a genuine atmosphere of awe on display for the big man.
Rugby Australia and Raelene Caste need to be aware of this and also that every single child could not wait for his signature. You could hear the ongoing whispers amongst the boys and girls: “Folau this, Folau that”.
As soon as he made his way over to sign autographs there was a stampede; he was completely mobbed. Smiling and happy to talk to the fans, he indicated he is ready to go for their next game, against the Blues, and joked that he now just has to get selected.
He’s fit and he’s playing this week, there is no doubt.
Israel Folau (AAP Image/David Moir)
Taqele Naiyaravoro, Jed Hollaway, and Ned Hanigan were not present. What that means for the following week’s selection is anyone’s guess. Has the coach made an early decision that they won’t be selected for the next match? Their non-presence was curious at the very least, as was the fact that Andrew Kellaway trained with the main side while Alex Newsome did not.
Perhaps we are going to see Folau and Kellaway on the wing for the next match.
Jack Dempsey appeared towards the end of the session, presumably from his rehabilitation, and I overheard him tell one fan that he was indeed finally running but that there will be a longer road ahead for his return. He spoke openly when questioned about the highs of a stellar performance against the All Blacks last year at Suncorp to a season he’s likely to miss most of.
Dempsey spoke like a young man with hunger to get back on the field and he looks as physically impressive as any rugby player I’ve seen. Rugby World Cup 2019 look out!
Finally, it needs to be said how impressive the session was. Those men were flogged for the more than two hours I was there, and even though they were physically exhausted, they all made the effort with the kids.
Every single player I spoke to, including the coach, was devastated by last week’s result. Jake Gordon, in particular, was gutted, and I got the feeling he knows he’s lost his starting spot to Nick Phipps – who I must say was impressive. Nick was vocal and looks fit and raring to go.
They are hurting and they trained the house down.
The Waratahs are going to give it to them Blues!
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.