In a huge endorsement of the Waratahs’ program under Darren Coleman, Wallabies forward Jed Holloway is set to turn down riches overseas to stay in Australian rugby.
Holloway had attracted attention in France, but it’s understood the powerful forward will forgo more than $200,000 to stay at the Waratahs on a new two-year deal with the Sydney-based franchise.
It’s a huge show of faith to the Waratahs and Australian rugby, who often get criticised for losing players overseas but Holloway’s decision to stay beyond the World Cup, particularly with new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones joining and selection far from certain, is a win for the game Down Under.
It’s also a great development for the Waratahs ahead of their Super Rugby opener against the ACT Brumbies on Friday, February 24.
Jed Holloway of the Waratahs takes a lineout. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Holloway, 30, played 10 Tests for the Wallabies last year in one of the storylines of the season.
A photo of him sitting on the field playing with his child after celebrating a win on debut against Argentina in Mendoza went viral.
Just like Scott Boland completing a fairytale debut at the MCG and playing with his children on the centre wicket with the Ashes, Holloway’s journey to the Wallabies was far from straightforward.
The versatile forward, who can play in the second-row and back-row, was highly regarded going through the pathways but didn’t push on like many expected until last year.
But after burying the hatchet with Coleman, who got off on the wrong foot years earlier in the National Rugby Championship, the duo thrived at the Waratahs in 2022 and Holloway caught the eye of former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.
“It’s something I thought would never really come a couple of years ago, or even last year, so to get this opportunity is huge,” Holloway said ahead of his Test debut.
Jed Holloway grew with each passing Test for the Wallabies and is set to turn down riches in France to stay in Australian rugby. Photo: Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images
It’s believed Jones, who joined the Wallabies last month and has yet to select a squad, gave Holloway the tick of approval.
With great hands at the line, height and size, Holloway is a huge cog in the Waratahs’ roster and his versatility and agility has him well-placed to make Jones’ 33-man World Cup squad.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
No butthurt here, I get to read about teams I am interested in. Not my problem that the players aren't flourishing under the master coach BT. Hopefully this year he will figure out you need to plan beyond winning scrum penalties.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I think Rennie developed some favourites like all coaches and as Eddie will (hopefully). Just constantly picking the guys in the best form is a terrible method that won’t allow any cohesion. He’s got 5 games before the WC. I’d like to think the side changes very little after the first couple, except for perhaps some stars coming back from injury
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
Yes yes yesssssssss more more more, go on, i`m interested. Please tell me more about TT JOC Thorn and Hamish, let the butthurt flow. You are doing Christy`s job for him.
Riktor
Roar Rookie
Agreed
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Poor pet, hope you are OK. What would you like him to write about? How Brad Thorn has finally been convinced that he can't out Kiwi the Kiwi teams...or why TT wants to move on from the Reds (again)...or why Hamish Stewart had to leave because he wasn't progressing...or how Brad Thorn's tactics in 2022 revolved around TT getting scrum penalties...or how failing to develop a backup to JOC scuppered their 2022 season.
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
So he`s written about 3 coaches and a Force player? What about Red and Brumbies players? and
twoTHREE articles about Tahs players.Double Agent
Guest
I'd love to hear how many Test caps Gutterboy and Ace have! :shocked: :laughing:
Double Agent
Guest
"the NSW rugby media machine in full swing" Don't laugh Roarers. That's a very real thing. Like Santa Claus and the Elves. :shocked:
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
Agree that he lost his job over it. I'm pretty sure I read that he had warned RA in advance that he was going to have to rest players for that game though as it was sandwiched between France and Ireland. RA needed the money from playing 5 games so took the risk, then threw him under the bus regardless.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
I think Liam wright will leapfrog into the 7 jersey for the wallabies. Just my prediction.
Gutterboy
Roar Rookie
So why did Rennie pick a second string team v Italy when Italy were on the rise ?. Players who were first choice could have been selected. ( not injured ) He rested 6 first stringers. Rennie lost his job becausee of that massive blunder.
Gutterboy
Roar Rookie
At times that did not happen under Rennie. Let`s see if Eddie is different and rewards more players on form.
Packerd
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: Ferret . Nice backow. I wish. That`ll never happen :crying: :laughing:
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
I'm not convinced England had more injuries than the wallabies, but regardless, I was talking about the Ireland and France games. By the end of that tour we just about had Dave Rennie himself on the bench, the injury toll was horrendous. Having said that, my original point wasn't to blame the injuries but to point out that we very easily could have won both games even with far from our first choice team on the field.
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
We certainly hope so THIS year at last
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
This is why the wallabies should have 6. Liam Wright, 7, Fraser McRigh and 8 Harry Willson. :stoked:
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I guess that's the message to all of them. Star in SR, get a shot at the Wallabies
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I bet that doesn't happen
John Ferguson
Expert
Hannigan is low in my calculations. At 6 we have Swinton, Leota, Holloway, Gamble, Wright, all which I think bring more specialised skills. The second row is stacked.
Cain
Roar Rookie
The only problem i have with Christy is that he always says positive things about his Waratahs. They are all perfect to him. It’s never a balanced article. The lavish praise is to over the top. It’s like the old FOX SPORTS and now STAN mob who drool over every word Cheika vomited.