The NSW Waratahs enter 2026 eager to return to the Super Rugby Pacific finals after a tough finish to last season.
Dan McKellar's team started the year strong but couldn't translate it into a spot in the top six.
Watch every second of Super Rugby Pacific live and on demand via Stan Sport.
But a host of new signings and a Super Rugby AUS title has turbocharged the belief that something special is building at Daceyville, with a host of Wallabies locked in for the upcoming campaign.
Rugby.com.au breaks down the key talking points for the NSW Waratahs.
NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar laid down the law at Daceyville in his first year. Now, the former ACT Brumbies coach will be seeking results to match the high standard he has set.
McKellar was very vocal all year about breaking the bad habits from past campaigns, labelling ‘systemic issues’ that needed to change after the Crusaders' defeat in May.
With a full year under his belt, McKellar will have his eyes set on turning the Waratahs back into powerhouses with another home-friendly draw to start the year.
The Waratahs will play four of their first five games at home, and while they will take on quality opponents such as the Queensland Reds, Hurricanes and Blues, early victories will be a strong sign of McKellar’s influence paying off.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was a sensation at the back in 2025, but the arrival of some explosive outside backs leaves question marks around where to play the superstar.
Suaalii settled on the fullback role but spent the entirety of the Test season at centre, partnering well with Len Ikitau.
The arrival of Harry Potter leaves the Waratahs with arguably the strongest outside back group in Super Rugby Pacific, joining Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Triston Reilly, James Hendren and Sevens star Sid Harvey.
The logjam, combined with the absence of Lalakai Foketi and Henry O’Donnell, could leave McKellar to make the permanent shift. Alternatively, does Kellaway shift to outside centre? The experienced Wallaby has filled in there in the past with the Melbourne Rebels.
The Super Rugby Pacific season may not have gone as planned, but the Super Rugby AUS title showed the NSW Waratahs are on the right track.
Within the month-long tournament, a host of young stars stood up, including fullback Hendren, back-rower Leafai Talataina, and lock Miles Amatosero, among others.
Winning can become a habit, and for a team that has struggled in past years, the confidence the younger players would've gained cannot be overstated.
With several experienced forwards departing the club, there’s a perfect opportunity for the next generation of stars to make their names.
There’s a host of returning stars that will be gunning to turn their sky blue jerseys into gold.
Pete Samu has already made his return to the gold jersey, a shrewd signing after the departure of Rob Leota and Langi Gleeson.
McKellar has done an excellent job of recruiting overseas NSW-bred talent back to Daceyville, with Folau Fainga’a and Matt Philip adding serious quality to the tight five.
He has also recruited two considerable Queensland talents in Angus Blyth and Angus Scott-Young, adding spice to their Round One fixture against the Reds on February 13.
It’s a common talking point for the Waratahs, but that sky blue ten jersey remains firmly up for grabs after Tane Edmed’s departure down the road to Canberra.
Lawson Creighton spent the majority of the year in the jersey, but found himself playing at inside centre during Super Rugby AUS, opening up options.
For the second year in a row, Jack Bowen ended the year as the starter in the Final game, while Joey Fowler filled in nicely following his Australia U20s campaign.
Then there’s the experienced hand of Jack Debreczeni, who has a massive boot and provides stability.
