Kellaway aims to take pressure off Tahs

Tue, Jan 10, 2017, 11:56 PM
AAP
by AAP
Kellaway starred at fullback in 2016. Photo: Getty Images
Kellaway starred at fullback in 2016. Photo: Getty Images

Young NSW Waratahs fullback Andrew Kellaway wants to help take pressure off Test stars Israel Folau and Bernard Foley.

Kellaway, 21, made his Super Rugby debut for the Tahs mid-season last year and performed so well he was included as a development player on the Wallabies' tour to Europe.

His success in the No.15 position allowed Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson to shift Folau from that position to outside centre.Kellaway went on the Wallabies Spring Tour as a Development Player in 2016. Photo: Getty Images

Kellaway enjoyed the competitive environment and played in a Wallaby XV exhibition match against the French Barbarians, moving him one step closer to his dream of making the Test team.

“More so than fuel the fire, I think it makes it achievable," Kellaway told AAP on Tuesday after Waratahs training in Sydney.

“You grow up wanting to play for the Wallabies, so to be included in that environment in any capacity is something special.

“I learnt heaps and (I'm) really excited to bring that back to Super Rugby."Lining up to play the French Barbarians in Bordeaux. Photo: Getty Images

Kellaway feels ready to contribute more to the Tahs than he did last year.

“I think that's why I'm most excited about this year, because I feel like I've really found my feet.

“I’m ready to genuinely contribute and try and do my best to take pressure off guys like Izzy and Bernard so that they can really do their thing.

“Just have a presence around the ball on the field, talking and that sort of stuff, just being there and being a genuine option."

Also an accomplished winger, Kellaway broke the record for the most tries scored at a junior world championship in 2014, with 10 five-pointers.

He surpassed the previous mark set by New Zealanders Julian Savea and Zac Guildford, the latter a Tahs teammate in 2016.

Share