NSW Waratahs centre Joey Walton has re-signed with the club ahead of the 2026 season.
Walton became NSW’s 179th captain in 2025 as he skippered the team against the Hurricanes in Round Seven.
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The midfielder played twelve games in the run-on side and one off the bench following a strong 2024 that ended with Walton starting for Australia XV against England A.
The 25-year-old has played 45 games for the club since his debut in 2020 and is eager to test himself against the British & Irish Lions next month.
"I’m stoked to be staying at the ‘Tahs. I love this team and really enjoy it here,” he said.
"I'm so excited about potentially playing against the Lions.
"It’s something I have thought about since I went and watched the Tahs v Lions at Allianz in 2013."
McKellar paid credit to Walton's toughness after playing through injury throughout the season.
“He's NSW through and through, one of those players you really value," McKellar believes.
“He’s here most days. He’s such an important, consistent part of what we do.
“He drives standards hard and has high standards of himself, challenges others; but most importantly he has backed it up with quality performance.
“It hasn’t been easy for him this year. He has had to play with injury and play through pain; and people don’t see that. That in itself is a talent.
“It’s nice to have that consistency, having Joey in the midfield a couple of more years.”
