Waratahs lock young guns away

Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 12:30 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman

The Waratahs have locked away in-form number eight Jed Holloway for the next three years.

Holloway has been a revelation for the Waratahs, stepping up into the starting side this season after becoming the first NSW player to score a hat-trick off the bench, against the Highlanders.

The 24-year-old has usurped veteran Wycliff Palu as the side's first-choice number eight, part of a building back row alongside Jack Dempsey and captain Michael Hooper.

With Palu set to retire  this season, Holloway's retention was critical for the Waratahs and he has repaid their faith with a three-year extension, taking him through to 2019.

Fledgling fullback Andrew Kellaway, who has replaced Israel Folau at 15 with the Wallabies star shifting to the centres, has committed to NSW until 2018.

Kellaway let the cat out of the bag on Instagram earlier this week, with the Waratahs confirming his signing on Friday morning.

 

Excited to be staying in NSW for another two years. Great place, great people - couldn't be happier 👉🏽

A photo posted by Andrew Kellaway (@andrewkells) on

 

The 20-year-old was a standout junior, breaking the try-scoring record at last year's Junior World Championships, and has shown promise in his Super Rugby debut.

Young prop Matt Sandell has committed to the Waratahs until 2018 and is still awaiting his Super Rugby debut.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said he was pleased to have the young trio locked in.

“It’s great news for the team. Jed, Andrew and Matt are all quality young men. They are the type of players we can build a team round for the future,” he said.

“All three players have developed through the NSW pathways system and are passionate about representing NSW.

“They are all making excellent progress and proving they can compete well at this level, which is great for NSW and Australian rugby.”

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