NSW Waratahs winger Andrew Kellaway says the side is embracing the pressure of a “must-win” game that Friday night's Round 13 Super Rugby Pacific derby against the Queensland Reds in Sydney now represents.
Speaking to media following Tuesday’s training at Daceyville, Kellaway didn’t shy away from the significance of the clash — or the moment — with the next two of four remaining rounds being at home at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park.
He also stood by the NSW Waratahs intent to defend their undefeated home record at Allianz Stadium from five games so far this season.
“You said it — it’s must-win,” Kellaway said.
“It’s the back end of the year. Tired bodies, tired people, but that’s the best part ... [teammate] Charlie Gamble said it best last week, this is the business end. These are the games that matter most heading into finals.”
While noting the team’s undefeated run at Allianz Stadium in 2025, Kellaway insisted the team’s focus remained on execution, regardless of location.
“We’re proud of that … We are extremely proud of Allianz [Stadium] and love playing there.
"The record certainly shows that. The challenge for us, whether it is home or away in this competition is that you've got to win.
"We have mentioned it, but it really doesn't matter whether we are home or away. We have got to win."
Friday’s clash is against a Queensland Reds team that Kellaway praised for stability and chemistry, describing them as “a cohesive unit” that’s benefitted from consistency in personnel and a strong spine of Wallabies combinations.
The Reds went through a huge re-build a couple of years ago," Kellaway said.
“What they've done really well is they’ve kept their core of that group together and then added some awesome talent around that.
“They play like a cohesive team. That makes it such a great challenge.”
The NSW Waratahs face the match off the back of two tough away losses, but Kellaway believes the group has the resilience and hunger to respond.
“We’ve had two games we’re not proud of, and now we get to face Queensland at home — while they’re going well,” Kellaway said.
“You couldn’t ask for a better bounce-back opportunity. This is where you want to be tested.”
Kellaway spoke of NSW Waratahs fullback Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who impressed in last Saturday's loss to the ACT Brumbies with his athleticism and composure, but said the rest of the squad must now rise alongside him.
“Joseph’s so good at what he does — the challenge for us is to put him in the position to do what he does, but we still have to do what we are good at - all the people around him.
“He did a fantastic job in Canberra. We didn’t go with him."
With Wallabies selection looming and the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour approaching, Kellaway was asked whether those ambitions were part of his mindset heading into such a high-stakes match.
However, his answer was unequivocal. “I don't think so; not from where I sit,” Kellaway said. “I grew up watching the Waratahs.
“The proudest thing of my career is being a Waratah.
“We saw a video from [2014 championship-winning NSW Waratah] ‘Cliffy Palu’ this morning.
"I was sitting there reflecting on the time I had playing with a guy like him, and then you walk down here through the tunnel and the wall is [a photo of] the 2014 team, and I was in and around at that point.
“The Wallabies and the Lions and all that sort of stuff is amazing and it's up in the cloud, but being a Waratah is the proudest part of my rugby career at this point."
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
When: Friday, 9 May, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEST)
For tickets to the game via Ticketek, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
