HSBC Junior Waratahs announced for Fiji Tour
» Back to News Listing
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
The HSBC Junior Waratahs have announced a 26-man squad for the 10-day tour of Fiji in October, featuring eleven Super 14-contracted players.
Fiji Rugby Union
Fiji Rugby Union
Head Coach Chris Hickey has appointed Daniel Halangahu, Will Caldwell and Sam Norton-Knight to lead the squad for their two matches against Nadi and the Fiji Warriors.
"We've got a really good combination of youth and experience in the squad, and I know Daniel, Sam and Will are looking forward to leading the team," said Hickey. "They've all been involved in Development Tours in the past so they know what to expect and realise how important this trip will be to our 2009 campaign."
Hickey said that while the trip is relatively short, the competition will be tough and the off-field aspects throughout the preparation and the tour are crucial to the Waratahs tour.
"We're under no illusions - this is going to be a really tough tour," said Hickey. "Nadi won the national championship last weekend and the Fiji Warriors are a rep team which plays together in the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup.
"They're going to be well-drilled, so we really need to use the next week and a half to prepare as a team and to gel as a squad."
The squad features all available Super 14 contracted players not involved in the Wallaby Spring Tour, however Tom Carter, Matt Carraro, David Dennis and Rob Horne were not considered due to injury, while Scott Fava is still finalising his move from Perth.
Sydney University was rewarded for its Shute Shield-winning season with six players selected, while more than a third of the squad hails from the four western Sydney clubs of Parramatta, Eastwood, West Harbour and Penrith.
The first NSW tour to Fiji since 1988 will also see the return from injury of Kurtley Beale who has not played since the Super 14 Final in May.
HSBC JUNIOR WARATAHS SQUAD
2008 Development Tour of Fiji
Backs: Ben Batger (Eastwood), Kurtley Beale (Northern Suburbs), Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University), Ed Jenkins (Sydney University)/John Sinisa (West Harbour), Mitch Inman (Sydney University), Rowan Kellam (Eastwood), Ratu Nasiganiyavi (Randwick), Sam Norton-Knight (Northern Suburbs), Nathan Sievert (Sydney University), Andrew Smith (Northern Suburbs), Jeremy Su'a (Penrith), David Tautaiolefue (West Harbour).
Forwards: Will Caldwell (Sydney University), Ben Coridas (Eastwood), Kane Douglas (Southern Districts), Ofa Fainga'anuku (Gordon), Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood), Elvis Levi (Penrith), Steve Mafi (Parramatta), Rob McMicken (Eastern Suburbs), Ben Mowen (Randwick), Dan Palmer (Southern Districts), Beau Robinson (Warringah), Chris Thomson (Northern Suburbs), Jeremy Tilse (Sydney University).
Head Coach - Chris Hickey
Manager/Assistant Coach - Joe Barakat
Assistant Coach - Scott Wisemantel
High Performance Analyst - Anthony Wakeling
Physiotherapist - Keiran Cleary
Team Doctor - Dr Tom Cross
Tour Schedule
Saturday 4 October - Squad departs for Nadi, Fiji
Monday 6 October - HSBC Junior Waratahs v Nadi at Prince Charles Park, Nadi
Wednesday 8 October - Coaching clinic
Saturday 11 October - HSBC Junior Waratahs v Fiji Warriors at Churchill Park, Lautoka
Monday 13 October - Squad departs for Sydney