‘I’ve got to keep working’: Toole opens up on potential Wallabies debut

Thu, Oct 3, 2024, 5:11 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Corey Toole Press Conference

Brumbies flyer Corey Toole understands the work he has to do if he wishes to pull on a gold jersey during the Spring Tour.

Toole reconfirmed his future in Canberra on Thursday, signing a one-year extension until 2025.

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The 24-year-old has enjoyed a hectic 2024 that has included a brief return to the Sevens format for the Paris Olympics.

“It’s been a busy few months. I feel like I played that Blues semi-final a year ago,” Toole remarked to reporters.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with the Sevens and Wallabies and it’s been really good…It’s awesome just to know I’ll be staying in Canberra for another year.

“We had a taste of the semi-finals the last two years and have fallen short so I’m really excited and motivated to go one step further next year.”

The Wallabies have used 16 debutants in 2024 but have yet to unleash Toole, one of the fastest men in World Rugby.

Coach Joe Schmidt indicated the importance of Toole finding his feet in the 15-a-side game after bursting onto the scene in the World Series in 2021-22.

“It’s been a great experience within the Wallabies camp,” he said.

“I’ve just got to keep training hard over the next four weeks, keeping working on some little skill areas such as my high ball catching and contact areas.

“…I’ve just got to keep working on my skills and putting my best step forward each training and then maybe that opportunity will come back.”

Toole will feature in the Wallabies Spring Tour squad and/or the Wallabies XV matches against Bristol and England A, with the Brumby reflecting on the challenges faced with shifting between the two formats.

“I’m quite excited to hopefully be picked in one of those squads. I haven’t played too many 15s games in a while so be good to put the boots on and play some footy,” he added.

“It’s been a little hard (going from Sevens to 15s) but there’s some good coaches and people around to help make the transition quite easy.

“You’re going into the Sevens, there’s a lot of running but Johnny (Manenti, former Sevens coach) and the coaches managed me quite well.

“You’re then coming back to 15s and it’s a lot different a lot more contact. You have to put on a bit more size and enjoying every moment of it.”

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