Waratahs backs Alex Newsome and Mark Nawaqanitawase have re-signed with the club.
Newsome, who stepped up as captain in the absence of Michael Hooper and Jake Gordon throughout Super Rugby AU, has signed a one-year extension that will keep him in NSW until the end of 2022.
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“At this stage at my career there is nowhere else in the world I’d rather be playing my footy,” Newsome said.
“I’m a NSW boy, born and bred, and incredibly proud to represent my home state. This year has been probably the toughest year of my career I’ve had to endure, and probably is the same for most of the guys in the squad.
“We’re desperate to turn things around next year and I feel like I’ve got a lot of unfinished business here with this team, so I’m really excited to re-commit.
“I’ve worked with DC (Darren Coleman) before so I’m really excited to have him come in, he’s got a lot of energy and brings in a lot of ideas.
“There’s a lot of unfulfilled potential in the team plus with a few additions to the squad, including Hoops coming back, there’s a lot of positive signs building at the Waratahs.”
Meanwhile, Nawaqanitawase will stay at the Waratahs for another two years as he looks to cement his spot in the starting side.
“Look there’s no sugar coating it, we’ve had a rough 12 months, but I genuinely believe there’s something special building here,” Nawaqanitawase added.
“We were a pretty inexperienced team at the start of this year and due to our massive injury toll, a lot of guys got exposure to high level footy which will make us better placed for next year, including myself.
“There’s a lot of work getting put in right now and I think a change is coming. We’re incredibly motivated to turn things around and win for NSW.
“I love this team, it’s a great bunch of guys so it was a really easy decision to extend my time here.”
