Emerging scrumhalf Teddy Wilson has shown a massive sign of faith in the NSW Waratahs, re-signing on a fresh one-year deal.
Wilson, 22, will stay in Daceyville for 2026 despite the presence of Wallabies starter and club skipper Jake Gordon blocking a clear path to the starting spot.
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A former Australia U20 captain, Wilson shone across a six-game starting stint through NSW's 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season following Gordon's knee injury.
It left many to suggest Wilson could look elsewhere for a permanent gig, but the Eastern Suburbs man is adamant NSW is the best place for his development.
"Obviously being at home and being with my friends and family and playing for the club that I've grown up supporting was something that I definitely wanted to continue doing," Wilson said.
"It was definitely something I had to consider with Jake being there and obviously being the Wallaby half-back as well. But Jake's always been good to me and he's always helped me out a lot.
"I spoke with the coaching staff about next year and how it would look. They put forward a plan that I believed in and I think I can continue to develop underneath them and even with Jake being here.
"So I back what they were saying and I'm really excited just to rip into the pre-season ahead and hopefully we can do a lot better next year."
There is historical evidence to suggest that this partnership is beneficial for all parties.
Gordon spent his junior years learning under Wallaby Nick Phipps before taking over in 2019.
"He (Gordon) was in a very similar position so he actually had a lot of knowledge and experience to share with me around this situation," Wilson said.
"He's been really good about it and he's told me how it works for him. I can definitely see it working for myself as well. So I'm just glad that they're on board with it and I'm looking forward to next year."
Wilson has played 23 games for the Waratahs - seven as a starter - since debuting in 2022.
"I've spoken about the importance of our young players, of developing our own from a young age, understanding what's expected of them on and off the field," coach Dan McKellar said.
"Teddy is going to be an important player in that cohesion piece that him, Jack Bowen and others have built up over playing together for many years.
"He's also a passionate New South Welshman. We want guys who want to play for the NSW Waratahs, where the NSW Waratahs means something to them.
"That's certainly the case with Teddy."
