The NSW Waratahs have bolstered their front row stocks as part of their rebuild by re-signing tighthead prop Siosifa Amone and hooker Ethan Dobbins.
Amone and Dobbins are regarded as key components in the NSW Waratahs’ future under Head Coach Dan McKellar.
Both players made great inroads in their personal development in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
But as Amone and Dobbins agreed, their re-signings not only reflect the NSW Waratahs’ faith in them, but their faith in the program and vision for the side.
Amone played five games for 140 minutes in 2025; all as a replacement, including Round 1 against the Highlanders when he scored two tries.
He joined from the Western Force where he earned thirteen Super Rugby caps.
“It’s unbelievable to think about where I am in now from where I was pre-season; for my family too,” Amone said of re-signing with the NSW Waratahs.
“To know that the coaches have that faith in me helps me to make myself a better player and to get the most out of myself.”
Amone credited his Sydney club, Northern Suburbs, for his development.
“When I came back to Sydney from the Force, I went back to Northern Suburbs to play – and I was picked up from there for the Waratahs,” Amone said.
“Shute Shield is so good. It’s a great platform for players to grow and perform in. There are a lot of eyes on the Shute Shield. If you stand out, you'll get seen.”
Amone said his biggest takeaway from his first NSW Waratahs season was: “The importance of nailing down good habits and being consistent.
“I want to lessen my bad habits and increase and improve my good habits.”
Amone is excited about possibly playing the British & Lions at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney on Saturday, 5 July.
“It only comes around only every 12 years and for most players it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Amone said.
“If I get selected, it will be an unforgettable experience for me and my family.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said of Amone: “He is a powerful player, a real point of difference as a front rower. He is incredibly explosive.
“He has worked hard and must continue to work hard.
“He has earned the opportunity to be here another couple of years.
“Now he must take that on and work on being the best professional he can be.
“That means getting in and wanting to be the best version of himself.
“If he does that, his potential is untapped.”
Dobbins returned to NSW from the Rebels with five Super Rugby caps.
In his first season with the NSW Waratahs this year, he played five Super Rugby Pacific games, four in the first XV and one as a reserve for 233 minutes.
Asked about his re-signing, Dobbins said it: “Means everything to me. After the Rebels season I was unsure I would get to play Super Rugby again.
“I was incredibly fortunate and grateful for Dan McKellar and the NSW Waratahs ... It’s a privilege with the quality of people. I feel at home.”
On playing club rugby at Wests in Brisbane and Sydney University today, Dobbins said: “Wests saw my potential and gave me every opportunity to play.
“It was the turning point in my rugby career. Without Felicity Benetts, Elwee Prinsloo, Daryl McNamara and Graham Brown I would not be where I am.
“I also wanted to be a part of ‘Sydney Uni’ after hearing how highly Leafi Talataina and Clem Halaholo spoke of a young team with talented players.
"I believe in the culture and the boys there and want to do all I can to help the club and my teammates to succeed.”
On his first NSW Waratahs season, Dobbins said: “I’ve learned, especially technically from David Porecki who constantly tries to help me get better.
“My biggest takeaway is connection. You saw when we played at home before fans and family … the trust and energy. We’ve bought into what we’re building.”
As for playing the British & Irish Lions, Dobbins said: "You grow up dreaming about it. They bring so much history, quality, and intensity.
"To face the world’s best in the NSW Waratahs jersey would be massive for me and my family. I would cherish it forever.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “I remember watching vision of ‘Dobbo’ when he was playing for the West Bulldogs in Brisbane.
“He is a very good rugby player who has worked hard to develop his set piece; and through injury, he got an opportunity, and he has taken it.
“Now, as with any young player, the challenge is backing it up week after week after week. But I’m really pleased to have ‘Dobbo’ around.”
