Hugh Sinclair is set to lead the NSW Waratahs into battle against their fiercest rivals, the Queensland Reds, in Round 5 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday night.
The newly appointed captain spoke to the media after the NSW Waratahs completed their final training session — the Captain’s Run — at their training facility in Daceyville, Sydney before flying out to Brisbane for the derby.
Sinclair, the 178th NSW Waratahs captain, shared his thoughts on his role, team preparations and the significance of the rivalry with the Queensland Reds
The lock expressed pride and humility in stepping into the position, taking over the captaincy from Jake Gordon who is sidelined with a medial ligament injury.
“Yeah, look, it's very cool. I haven't really had a chance to get too caught up in it, but I’ve had a fair few messages of support,” Sinclair said.
“It’s pretty special to be captaining against Queensland. This game is steeped in history, so I’m really looking forward to running out there first.”
The decision to name Sinclair captain was made by NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar early week with him informing Sinclair in a brief moment.
“It was Monday morning, just a quick word in the hallway—nothing too dramatic,” Sinclair recalled. “But I had an inkling it might be coming [with Gordon’s injury].
"It’s unfortunate for Jake. He’s such a key player for us and we’ll miss him, but we have full confidence in Teddy [Wilson] to step in [as No. 9] and do a great job.”
Wilson will make his first Super Rugby start in Saturday night’s blockbuster.
“He's definitely the future,” Sinclair said of Wilson.
“He was one of the standout players in the Shute Shield last year, and now he gets his crack at [starting in] Super Rugby.
“He’s a different player to Jake, but we all back him to do the job.”
Another key change in the Waratahs’ starting XV sees Leafi Talataina slotting in at No. 8 for his starting debut. He replaces Langi Gleeson, who will provide impact from the bench.
“Leafi brings a lot of power and physicality, much like Langi,” Sinclair said.
“He had good minutes last week [off the bench] and will be looking to back that up.
“Having Langi come off the bench late in the game gives us a real weapon.”
With the Waratahs looking to build momentum after their win over the Western Force last week, Sinclair emphasised the importance of team cohesion.
“We've been growing in confidence. The first couple of rounds weren’t quite where we wanted to be, but we’re improving,” Sinclair said.
“We’ve had a solid start with three home games and a bye, but now the challenge really begins.”
Saturday’s match against the Queensland Reds also brings a personal twist, as coach McKellar faces off against Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss.
“There’s been a few barbs in the media, which is all good fun,” Sinclair said.
“But the Reds are a quality side. They’ll be hungry after last week [losing to the Crusaders in Christchurch], and we know they’ll be up for it.”
Sinclair also noted the emotional context for the Queensland Reds, whose players were dealing with the effects of Cyclone Alfred back home while they were in New Zealand.
“They had a lot on their minds last week, and we hope everything is alright for their families. But we know they’ll come out firing at Suncorp,” Sinclair said.
Despite the makeup of both teams — with Queensland-born players in the NSW Waratahs and vice versa — Sinclair reinforced the importance of embracing the rivalry.
“Once you put on the jersey, you’re a New South Welshman,” Sinclair said.
“That’s the message to the boys. It’s an honour to represent this team in this fixture.”
With a raucous Suncorp Stadium crowd expected and the NSW Waratahs eager to reclaim bragging rights, Sinclair is ready for the challenge.
“These are the games you want to play in. It’ll be hostile, it’ll be tough, but we’re prepared, and we’re excited,” he said.
When: at 7.35 pm (AEDT) Saturday 15 March 2025
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The game will be televised LIVE on Channel 9 and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
