Waratahs teammates have thrown their support behind Izaia Perese as he presses his claims for Wallabies selection.
Perese's stint with the club got off to a horror start after he was sent off in his first game against his old side Reds.
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However, he's more than made up for it on his return, bursting into the top ten for tackle busts in Super Rugby AU despite missing the first half of the season.
This form has continued into Trans-Tasman and was on full display against the benchmark Crusaders, finishing with a stat-line of 11 runs for 82 metres, two clean breaks and an incredible ten tackle busts to go with his try.
With centre seemingly still up for grabs, there has been a renewed push for Perese to earn a call-up to the Wallabies for their July series.
It would cap a remarkable comeback for the 24-year-old, 15 months after he was stood down by the Brisbane Broncos following being charged by police with drug-related offences.
Vice-captain Alex Newsome is well aware of his explosive power, having forged a spot on the wing outside him, and believes he's more than capable of making the step up.
"I reckon he's probably as dangerous as anyone playing in this competition," Newsome said.
"He's so powerful, so fast when he sees a chink in the defence. He's really been a shining light in our attack.
"He just shows the rest of the boys just to back yourself. He's a guy where nothing's on and he'll carry the ball very hard and be aggressive and it's a lesson learned not just in our team but across the nation as well."
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This was shared by playmaker Will Harrison, who praised the energy he's brought to the club both on and off the field.
“I think the key word with Izzy is energy,” he added.
“Off the field, he’s buzzing getting the boys up and on it he’s electric. He’s everywhere and he’s a really busy bloke. He’s been a really crucial player for us.
“I think he’s definitely a Wallabies player. I think he showed on the weekend against the Crusaders that he’s up to play the best in the world and really give it to them.”
