Wallaby legend Tim Horan reveals the Fullback position in the Wallabies is ready to be taken, but by who?
“There’s two positions in Australian rugby which I think going into the Rugby World Cup in a few years’ time where we haven’t got a lot of depth.
“One’s 15 and another one is 10”, Horan said.
Last year’s disjointed rugby season didn’t allow for many opportunities for players to shine in certain positions on the world stage.
The fullback position was played by Reece Hodge, Dane Haylett Petty and Tom Banks last year for the Wallabies.
Despite the talent coming through in the centres and the wings Horan believes that there are “not a lot of fullbacks going around” and that “no one grabbed the 15 jersey”, Horan said.
One player who Horan believes will represent the 15 position is the talented Jordan Petaia.
“I just think Jordy (Jordan) Petaia, put him at 13 for a couple of games let him settle in, he’s got to get some rhythm back in his game because he’s had a lot of injuries in the last two or three years.
“But I would love to see him have a crack at 15 just so we can see what he is like with a bit more space,” Horan said.
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The versatile 20-year old has created headlines from his speed, skill and stifling defence since starting his Super Rugby season at the age of 18.
Injuries have plagued Petaia at times and he needs a full season to showcase what he can do for the Reds as well as the Wallabies.
“We saw glimpses of brilliance… if Jordan can be patient, once he gets past five, six, seven phases, then start to look for some offloads that can create some space.
“Off the eight (Super Rugby) games he plays for the Reds, I would like to see him in two to three games at least”, Horan said.
While all eyes will be on the emerging superstar of Australian Rugby, Mack Hansen revealed that he can play the fullback position that Wallabies so desperately need.
Hansen has been at the Brumbies for a few years and an injury to Tom Wright gives him a huge opportunity to show what he can do.
Hansen had a great display at the trial match providing multiple of opportunities that couldn’t be capitalised.
When asked what his preferred position is Hansen told Brumbies media:
“Probably fullback, just what I have been used to for most of the time but saying that I am enjoying my time on the wing actually and hopefully finish of a few tries would be nice”, Hanson said.
The Brumbies take on the Western on Friday February 19 at HBF Park, kicking off at 9:55pm AEDT, LIVE on Stan Sport. Buy tickets here.
