NSW Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has turned to 20-year-old flyhalf Jack Bowen to start against the Queensland Reds on Friday.
In a nod to the future, the son of Wallaby Scott will make his maiden start in the halves alongside captain Jake Gordon in the final game of the season.
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"We’ve been looking for opportunities to give Jack a game during the year and now he gets his chance to start after a promising performance from the bench last week,” Coleman said.
“I’m excited to watch him grow.”
Bowen has played just three games for the club, however, is eager to press his claims with Will Harrison heading to Japan at the end of the season.
“I can’t wait for that feeling to run out onto Allianz Stadium for the Waratahs,” Bowen said.
“I’ve been going there since I was six or seven years old watching all these legends play so to get the opportunity to do that this Friday night is going to be a pretty special night for me and my family. “I’m obviously focused on this week against the Reds, but it’s definitely a massive opportunity for me to press my claims for next year as well.”
Former Waratah Paddy Ryan also returns to the squad as their front-row problems fail to subside.
The 35-year-old answered a similar call in 2022 and comes straight into the starting side.
“It was great of Paddy to answer the SOS and his experience in the front row will be invaluable,” Coleman added.
Young half Teddy Wilson comes onto the bench after his concussion during his Sevens debut in Singapore.
“Teddy returns after his concussion protocols,” Coleman said.
“We’ve been trying to give him more opportunities throughout the year to watch him develop further.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Paddy Ryan, Jay Fonokalafi, Tom Ross, Jed Holloway, Miles Amatosero, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Jack Bowen, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase
RESERVES: Ben Sugars, Lewis Ponini, Brad Amituanai, Hugh Sinclair, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Izaia Perese
