The NSW Waratahs have continued their recruitment drive, luring versatile forward Jed Holloway back to Sydney on a two-year Super Rugby deal.
Holloway, with 58 NSW caps, left the Waratahs at the end of the 2020 season and spent the past year in Japan playing alongside former teammate and Wallabies captain Michael Hooper at Toyota Verblitz.
The 28-year-old said he was grateful for the chance to return to his home state and is excited to link up with new head coach Darren Coleman.
“Ever since I started playing rugby, I wanted to be a Waratah. The team gave me a huge opportunity 10 years ago and I’m extremely grateful that they are willing to take another chance on me now,” Holloway said.
“Both the Waratahs and myself have a lot to prove next year but I believe we have all the pieces to make it happen.
“I learned a lot from some great people in Japan and I’m excited to join the team and start putting that together.
“DC (Coleman) has nothing but success on his record, he is a proven culture builder.”
Holloway’s re-signing follows the Waratahs’ retention this week of exciting backs Alex Newsome, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Lalakai Foketi.
Foketi and vice-captain Newsome will remain until at least the end of the 2022 season, with Nawaqanitawase recommitting for a further two years.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Just announced that Donaldson is singed on for 2022/2023.
Ace
Guest
the tahs have a wallaby stacked pack. No excuses.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
That's an old playing weight off the internet, he's probably more than that by now.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Morsie, I think that proves my point that he is overweight ATM.
Chufortah
Guest
Jed was so close to cracking the Wallabies then got injured - that said, I think as a leader in the team he will flourish and stop going to sleep, which appeared his problem at the Tahs. When he’s angry he’s a bloody good player - good luck to him!
Morsie
Roar Rookie
Jed's listed as 1.96 and 118kgs........... Ned Hanigan is 1.94 and 110kgs. I think Jed's big enough.
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
I’d like to see old Ned at 8. Swinton 6 (Sinclair back up 6) hoops 7 ( the Tizz or Gamble back up 7 and Harris or Warren back up for 8) not a bad back row. Throw in Jed and Douglas / Caird in the second row I’d could live with that combo. Whilst Ned can do a job in the second row overall his to small. If his goal is to be a wallaby like all aus rugby players he must stay in the back row. Give him a fighting go. He or Sinclair at a pinch could cover 7 as well. I’m going controversial now the tahs lack size on the wings. I know Perese killed it at 13, like Koroibeti he is a pin ball when his going. I’d start him on one wing and give him the licence to roam like Koroibeti. Walton is our best 13. On the other wing I’d start the freak Warren Vosayoca. Yep haven’t been drinking today….yet. This guy can play centre or 8 comfortably, his big and his quick. I’d give him the task of staying in that 5 metre channel and nail anything that moves. This guy could easily start a game on the wing and finish the game at 6 or 8. His a dead set hybrid and it would not surprise if un-injured his pushing for a wallaby spot next year such is his versatility.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Agree morsie, but I am hopeful that he is not stuck in the row as he is not big enough and rarely gets an opportunity to use his attacking skills.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
I remember him in his earlier days and he was reasonably mobile and a fine No.8, but I doubt he'll be able to regain that though, and I doubt they'll want him at 8. I think he'll make an excellent mobile lock. We have some excellent talent at 6&7 already.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Jez, I am hoping we get most of our youngsters filled out/getting better and regularly on the pitch before the end of 2022, at the rate we are going it has me a bit worried.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Morsie, he was fattened up because the Tahs didn't have a lock, prior to that he was very mobile.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
The best moments I recall from Harrison was a little wider coming from deep, or in a support running role. He is also a fearless defender with good one on one technique in open play. Happy to see them both stay at the Tahs and spend a couple of seasons working together
jeznez
Roar Guru
My gut says right this minute Donaldson is the superior 10 and 15. Harrison has a high ceiling though and I think may wind up the stronger 10. He just needs time in the saddle steering the ship at a lower level to help him find his confidence and his voice. Think Donaldson’s time at club level really paid off and sadly Harrison would have had time there this season but is missing it due to lock down. Even bigger shame there isn’t an NRC for him to hone his craft in.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
The number 15 jersey is wide open at the Tahs. Perhaps they will put Donaldson in there. Though I think I prefer Harrison at 15 and Donaldson at 10. Not enough of a sample to know for sure. Just a gut feel.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Reckon the Force would love one of the Tahs young 10s as well. Got me worried we haven’t seen confirmation Donaldson is signed yet.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
And the Brumbies have 2 starting quality looseheads. Though having said that, all sides have pretty good LHP’s at present. Off the top of my head, the only team with a glut of talent in a spot is the Reds and outside backs. But between Petaia and Vunivalus injuries you hardly notice it.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I hope Jed comes back a more consistent player with a higher work rate. I always felt he had brilliant moments but would go missing for big chunks of the game. It doesn’t seem he got many minutes in Japan.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
Yeah, behind a more dominant team he might have really begun to show his mettle.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Thanks, didn’t know. I wish he’d shown some fight and hung around. Lot of talent unfulfilled
Morsie
Roar Rookie
I can understand “big” with regard to Holloway, but not “mobile”. No, he’s a lock, we have a surplus of potential 8’s.