Young Waratahs star Will Harrison inks new contract to lock in long-term Super Rugby future
The NSW Waratahs have secured the signature of flyhalf Will Harrison for a further three seasons with the Junior Wallaby remaining at the club until the end of the 2023 season.
A prodigious schoolboy talent, Harrison signed his first professional contract with the NSW Waratahs in 2018 and has been a part of the NSW Rugby pathway dating back to his days at Marcellin College.
Since captaining the Australian Schoolboys, Harrison has gone onto excel at youth international level, playing a pivotal role in the Junior Wallabies side that made the final of the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championships.
The Randwick product then became the youngest-ever player to debut for the NSW Waratahs at flyhalf in round one of Super Rugby earlier this year against the Crusaders in Nelson.
Since that time, Harrison has become a mainstay of Rob Penney’s side, starting in every fixture both before and after the enforced COVID-19 break – with 14 appearances across the continental and then subsequent domestic competition.
Harrison has amassed 126 points during that time and proven himself to be sharp-shooter in front of goal, falling agonisingly short of Peter Hewat’s club record for most consecutive conversions (18).
NSWRU general manager of rugby, Tim Rapp said that securing Harrison’s future at the Waratahs was an important part of the club’s overall roster strategy.
“We’ve made it no secret that we’ve wanted to secure Will on an extended deal, he’s an integral part of our squad and leader within our next generation of Waratah,” Rapp said.
“Will has developed and grown through our pathway over several years, to see him establish himself at Super Rugby level is really pleasing – he’s an impressive young guy with a bright future ahead of him and we’re excited that’s here in New South Wales.”
NSW Waratahs head coach, Rob Penney said he was pleased to see his first-choice playmaker staying in sky blue.
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“Will’s been outstanding in what’s been a pretty unique first season in professional footy,” Penney.
“The quality of his character has shone through in what’s been a challenging time for our game as a whole, handling himself exceptionally both on and off the field.
“He’s so dedicated to improving himself as a player and we’ve seen that through the way he’s developed over a short space of time at Super Rugby level.
“In such a difficult position to play he’s shown us his decision-making ability, temperament and his physicality – he doesn’t shirk any of his work out there which has been positive to see.”
Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson said: “Will is a terrific young man and is developing into a fine player as well. He’s had a good year steering the ship at the Waratahs for this season of Super Rugby AU and he will be better for it.
“I’m really excited in our next crop of young talent. They’re mature beyond their years but they are also fully aware that they need to continue knuckling down and working hard if they want to reap the rewards.”
Harrison said he was pleased to have his future secured and remain a Waratah.
“It’s [first season] been a really enjoyable experience for me personally, finding my feet in the squad, understanding my role and contributing to the direction we want to go as a team,” he said.
“I’ve had great support from my family, senior players and our management which has allowed me to focus on my own game and adapt to Super Rugby.
“To make my debut this year and become a Waratah has been a dream for me and I’m really thankful to the many people who have helped me get to this point.
“I’m really excited to have my future locked in here and continue that journey over the next few seasons – there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
– Waratahs Rugby
Comments on RugbyPass
100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
8 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
8 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to comments