NSW Waratahs flanker Michael Hooper is embracing his final home game at Allianz Stadium as he reflects on his time in sky blue.
Hooper has become synonymous with Rugby in NSW over the past decade, so much so that many forget he was a Brumby when he made his Wallabies debut in 2012.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
However, the Manly-born flanker has become a stable of the Waratahs since returning home in 2013.
He's won seven Matt Burke Cups as Player of the Year, with his influence potentially felt the most during his 2021 sabbatical when the team went winless without the inspirational flanker.
Hooper prepares to lead the Waratahs out one last time in Sydney, captaining the side against Moana Pasifika on Saturday with Jake Gordon on the bench.
“It is a special week. It’s great getting my family out and back at Allianz this year has been so great,” Hooper said to reporters.
“It’d be easy to come here and say it doesn’t (feel different). You think about this moment for a while. I signed a five year contract and you go ‘I wonder what it’ll be like when you get there’ and you forget about it.
“I’ve turned up this week and my wife’s showed me some stuff and a lot has gone into this journey and it’s so final - potentially not - but seems so final at this point in time.
“I’m trying to split up the week to focus on the game, it’s a big game for us to re-gather and build some momentum going into finals so I want to play well. After that, the final whistle blows and having my family hopefully on the field to experience it with me will be cool.”
The 2014 season remains the highlight of his time in sky blue, delivering the Waratahs a maiden Super Rugby title.
The Waratahs had struggled the two years prior, finishing 11th and 9th respectively.
With Hooper at the helm alongside Dave Dennis, the side shot to the top of the ladder, with the flanker playing two of his best games to defeat former side Brumbies in the semi-finals before defeating the Crusaders at what remains a Super Rugby record for highest attended Final at ANZ Stadium.
"It is a great thing to be a part of that team,” he recalled.
“Rob Horne played in that 2008 Final lost in Christchurch and I remember the week of the game him going ‘we just have to win because you might not ever get a shot’ and we won that one but we haven’t been back since.
“We managed to do it that year which was great but you never know what you’ve got until you’re well past it and almost ten years ago now.
“It’s a great reflection to have…the semi-final at Allianz was great against the Brums and the final is a special memory.”
It's fitting Hooper's middle name is Kent because when the flanker crosses the white line, he turns into Superman, the ultimate competitor in defence, often going through the work of 3-4 players.
In attack, he's always there ready to capitalise on a half break whilst his leadership with or without the (c) next to his name is elite.
It's why Hooper is so respected across the Rugby community, with fellow Wallaby and the other half of the legendary 'Pooper' duo leading the tributes.
“Loved playing alongside Michael Hooper. He’s a phenomenal athlete, great team man and he has given a lot to Australian Rugby," David Pocock said.
“I hope the Tahs can give him a good send off for his last game at home. He’s given a lot and put his body on the line and I’ll certainly be watching on cheering him on.”
Hooper will leave talks of his legacy to others, knowing he has left the club in the perfect place to thrive and capture another Super Rugby title ten years after their first.
“It’s a good question for others but what I’ve tried to bring is effort always; effort on the field, to improve my game, led well and try and go as a leader," he said on his legacy.
“I’ve gotten countless things wrong in my time as a leader and a player. I’ve done some good things as well which I’m happy with. I’ve tried to grow in my time here from 2013 to now.
“This place is amazing so in terms of a bedrock and a home, it’s fantastic. It’s a great place to turn up and become your best Rugby player or self
“If you’re a 17 or 18 year-old kid and you’ve got the opportunity to come in here, it’s an amazing opportunity and better yourself. I think that’s really exciting.
“In terms of the cattle in here at the moment, hungry with a really good coaching staff. A group that is fully ready to learn and I think can do some things over the next couple of years.
“It’s going to take constant renewal and growth, understanding what our strengths are but there’s certainly some great bones here.”
