NSW Waratahs Assistant Coach (Attack) Mike Catt OBE has praised the squad’s progress as they prepare for a tough Round 7 clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington, New Zealand this Friday night.
Catt, a 2003 World Cup-winning player for England, is in his first year with the NSW Waratahs who have won four of their five games (plus a bye) in this year's Super Rugby Pacific competition and sit fourth on the ladder.
Catt is optimistic about the strides made in their attacking play while acknowledging there is still plenty of work to be done.
Speaking to the media after training at the NSW Waratahs base at Daceyville in Sydney today, Catt noted that the team’s attack is still a work in progress but has shown significant improvement.
“Understanding our attack, especially with the level of detail we go into, takes time,” Catt said.
“For the Wallabies boys coming back in, they’ve probably only had six or seven weeks of it with everything else on top, so we’re aware that it’s an ongoing process.
“But I thought we made a massive shift in the game on Saturday, playing with the intent we want, being a little braver and smarter in how we play.
“We’re still developing, but the boys are responding really well.”
The NSW Waratahs have enjoyed a strong start to the season, particularly in their home fixtures, and Catt believes the next step is proving their consistency away from home.
“Any good team builds continuity,” he said. “We’ve done well at home recently, so now we need to take that same level of performance across to New Zealand and deliver on Friday night.
"That’s how good teams grow—by being consistent week after week.”
Catt also spoke about his relationship with NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar, who recruited him to Sydney.
“I’m still getting to know Dan, but he’s been exceptional,” Catt said.
“He’s definitely brought a cultural change in terms of mental toughness and resilience—qualities that are absolutely necessary in Super Rugby.
“He’s a great guy to work for, very open-minded, and understands what needs to be done to be successful.”
With Super Rugby Pacific finals still some way off, Catt remains focused on the short term.
“We’ve got to take it one step at a time,” Catt said.
“Friday night is a massive challenge, and that’s all we’re thinking about. It’s about putting in a performance we’re proud of and continuing to build from there.”
Reflecting on his first season coaching in Super Rugby Pacific, Catt admitted that despite his long-standing admiration for the competition, experiencing it firsthand has been eye-opening.
“You think you know a lot until you’re in it,” he said.
“I’ve always loved watching Super Rugby—the athletes, the style of play. But being here, you realise just how physically gifted these guys are.
“Some of these 20 and 21-year-olds are just massive, and then you’ve got the X-factor players like Joseph Suaalii and Max Jorgensen who are incredibly talented footballers.
“It’s about finding the right balance between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere styles.”
Catt highlighted the squad’s depth as a key strength, particularly in the back three, where young players are stepping up.
“We want guys like Triston Reilly and Jorgensen pushing the more experienced players.
“The competition for spots is what drives performance. Resting players is part of the bigger picture, and Dan has planned for it from day one.
“It’s important for players to get that physical and mental reset when needed.”
Looking ahead to the Hurricanes clash, Catt acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge but urged the team to embrace it.
“Winning becomes a habit, and we need to back up our performances,” Catt said.
“The Hurricanes are a quality outfit, but we’re focusing on ourselves.
“We’ve got plenty to work on, and if we execute well, we’ll give ourselves a chance.”
Catt also reflected on his transition from international coaching back to the relentless week-to-week demands of club rugby.
“It’s been great. It’s just me and my son here at the moment—my wife and daughters are still in the UK until July—so I’ve been able to fully immerse myself in rugby,” Catt said.
“I’ve fallen back in love with the game, and working in an environment like this, with the weather and the culture, has been brilliant.”
With the NSW Waratahs looking to claim a rare win in Wellington, Catt is confident that the squad is heading in the right direction.
“It’s about consistency,” he said.
“Can we back up performances and make winning a habit?
“That’s the challenge, and we’re embracing it.”
