NSW Waratahs Super Rugby AUS coach Lachlan McCaffrey is ready to test their flyhalf options as they search to defend their title.
McCaffrey takes the reins of the youthful squad once again heading into the competition, which starts next week.
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The club has signed Bernard Foley and Max Burey for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, yet neither will be available for the month-long tournament.
Burey was the MVP of the 2025 tournament; however, his contract with the Western Force remains until the end of October, leaving him unavailable.
Foley will also not feature, leaving Joey Fowler as the main flyhalf as he reprises his role from last year.
This has left McCaffrey open to options, with the pair of fullbacks Hendren and Harvey potentially to be trialled there.
Hendren has spent time in the role at Randwick, whilst the big boot of Harvey makes it a natural fit.
"It's probably been one obviously key position but somewhere where we don't have the most depth for Super AUS so it's a good chance for someone to come in," McCaffrey told reporters. "We're looking at one of two tens across Shute Shield to come in with young [Joey] Fowler from Uni, James Hendren played well for Randwick there, and then Sid's a natural ball player and pretty good Rugby smarts.
"You've got a mix, have a good look on the grass and you have Jack Debreczeni there who's played a lot of 10 over the past 15 years. Whoever we go with, it's not going to be perfect, and they probably don't have too much time to get ready in the saddle, but you know we've got enough to get us through Super AUS."
The Waratahs enter their title defence with a strong mix of youth and experience, naming six capped Wallabies along with seven from the recent Australia U20 World Championship team.
Fellow Australia U20 graduates Eamon Doyle and Joe Mangelsdorf have been included as well as Shute Shield standouts Will Goddard and former Highlander Freedom Vahaakolo.
"I think we went into last year's Super AUS with the least experienced squad," McCaffrey reflects.
"We got beaten pretty convincingly at home against the Force round one and it was a good opportunity for us last year going into round two against a really strong Queensland team up in Narrabri to just keep the boys really relaxed and just focus on what we can control and I think it'll be a pretty similar mindset this year.
"We've got a young squad, there's no point bombarding them with crazy detailed game plans, so create an environment where they're coming in and having fun, trying to make them better, give them an opportunity to play more footy.
"If the results are the same as last year then it's a win, but at the same time this competition is created so young guys get an opportunity to play rugby and win or lose we're still ticking that box."
