NSW Waratahs Super Rugby AUS head coach Lachlan McCaffrey has unveiled a new halves combination for the side’s must-win clash against the Queensland Reds in Narrabri on Saturday.
20-year-old Narrabri junior Joey Fowler has been handed the reins at flyhalf for his hometown appearance and will pair up with former Junior Wallabies representative scrumhalf Michael McDonald.
The Waratahs need a victory in the Santos Festival of Rugby fixture to keep their title aspirations alive after going down to the Western Force in the opening game of the competition last Friday.
Lawson Creighton moves to inside centre and will captain the side, Jackson Ropata shifts to outside centre and winger Leo Jacques has been promoted to the starting side at the expense of Otto Serfontein.
Lock Ben Grant joins the first XV in place of Matt Philip, who has been handed a three-week suspension for an incident of reckless/dangerous play against the Force.
Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea has been elevated to the starting front row with Tom Lambert dropping back to the bench.
Fowler said the opportunity for him and fellow Narrabri junior Sid Harvey to take the field in their hometown was one they were looking forward to.
“The atmosphere in Narrabri will be huge,” Fowler said.
“To have family, friends and the community right there on the sideline will make it really special.
“Our physical dominance early will set the tone. If we win those first collisions, we will be looking good for the rest of the game.
“For me personally, a good performance is about being dominant with my calling and putting the boys in the right positions on the field to attack. If I can do that, everything will flow from there.”
NSW Waratahs Super Rugby AUS team to play Queensland Reds:
1. Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
2. Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University)
3. Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
4. Ben Grant (Sydney University)
5. Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
6. Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
7. Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Chlayton Frans (Warringah)
9. McDonald (Randwick)
10. Joey Fowler (Sydney University)
11. Sid Harvey (Eastern Suburbs)
12. Lawson Creighton (c) (Randwick)
13. Jackson Ropata (Warringah)
14. Leo Jacques (Eastern Suburbs)
15. James Hendren (Randwick)
Reserves:
16. Bruce Kauika-Petersen (Hunter Wildfires)
17. Tom Lambert (Sydney University)
18. Apolosi Ranawai (Northern Suburbs)
19. Clem Halaholo (Sydney University)
20. Austin Durbidge (Sydney University)
21. Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Otto Serfontein (Eastern Suburbs)
23. James McGregor (Eastwood)
Match Details
NSW Waratahs Vs Queensland Reds
Where: Narrabri Rugby Club, Narrabri
When: Saturday, 20 September 2025
Kick-off: 5.45 pm (AEST)
The game will be broadcast live and on demand on Stan Sport and the rugby.com.au YouTube channel.
