The NSW Waratahs Next Gen side have made three changes to the starting lineup for Round 2 of Super Rugby Next Gen against the Reds at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday (2.05pm kick off, live on Stan Sport and rugby.com.au YouTube).
Hooker Tyler Maybery, scrum-half Sam Blank and right wing Tom O’Hara all come into the team following the 97-5 win over the Western Force in Round 1. O’Hara scored two tries after coming on as a substitute during that game.
Head of Pathways at the Waratahs Andrew Cleverley was under no illusions of the threat the opposition will pose at home in Brisbane.
“We’re well aware that the Reds will offer a serious challenge to our team,” Cleverley said.
“We have prepared really well and are looking forward to facing this challenge head on.”
There were 10 different try scorers in the victory over the Force at Eric Tweedale, including a hat-trick for blindside flanker Luca Cleverley, who retains his place.
Isaac Fonua and Leo Jaques, who have been training with the main Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific squad, also keep their places. With Marshall le Maitre again leading the team from openside flanker.
Scrum-half Hwi Sharples comes onto the bench and is the only player in the squad over the age of 20.
Following this fixture, the Waratahs Next Gen will face their final match of the new, three week competition against the Brumbies next weekend. This tournament will feed into the Australia U20s program and has replaced the Super Rugby U19s in 2026.
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs
Super Rugby Next Gen, Round 2, Sunday 15 February, 2.05pm kick-off AEDT
Ballymore Stadium, 91 Clyde Rd, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006
Live on Stan and rugby.com.au YouTube
Starting XV:
- Nick Hill
- Tyler Maybery
- Edwin Langi
- Aron Brennan
- Isaac Fonua
- Luca Cleverley
- Marshall le Maitre ©
- Toby Brial
- Sam Blank
- Harrison Dene
- Tom-Farr Jones
- Zach Fittler
- Leo Jaques
- Tom O’Hara
- Louis Fenwicke
Replacements:
16. Dylan Simmons
17. Harper Strachan
18. Lewis Wilson
19. Cooper Green
20. Ed Baxter
21. Hwi Sharples
22. James Archer
23. Brody Folkes
