NSW Waratahs skipper Piper Duck could barely hide her excitement speaking about young gun Waiaria Ellis, with the 16-year-old set to tie the record books.
Ellis was named on the bench for Saturday's opener against the ACT Brumbies, with the playmaker set to become the youngest ever Waratah if she comes on (16 years 186 days) alongside fullback Caitlyn Halse.
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Ellis has represented NSW in Gymnastics along with helping Australia to the Global Youth Sevens title in New Zealand.
The 16-year-old is an electric ball-runner, producing an incredible try against the Brumbies in their Super Rugby W trial.
Combining with Arabella McKenzie, who is mentoring the young playmaker, Ellis sprinted past the defence before stepping the fullback for a great try.
Waratahs and Wallaroos captain Duck was excited to see what Ellis can do as she learns from the Wallaroos starter McKenzie.
“She’s 16 at the moment and slid into that ten spot with Arabella McKenzie, watching their relationship grow at the moment has actually been beautiful," Duck said to Rugby.com.au
“Bella has really taken her under her wing and already taught her so much but the way ‘baba’ is so excited and taking it both hands with the talent that we saw with that amazing try against the Brumbies and Japan, she is such a talent.
“With the likes of Arabella McKenzie in that position who is such a talented athlete, I’m really excited to see the relationship group and hopefully eventually lead into that international space.
“She’s actually insane, I can’t talk about her highly enough. She and a few girls coming through are the future of the game and I’m extremely excited.”
Ellis is one of four debutants named, with new head coach Mike Ruthven naming a mix of youth and experience.
There are 14 Wallaroos in the matchday 23, including Reds recruit Annabelle Codey, named in the second-row for her club debut to become the first father/daughter combo to play for the Waratahs alongside former Wallaby and RA President David.
McKenzie and Emily Chancellor return after stints in the UK whilst Duck features after missing the international season due to injury.
"I'm excited to announce the team to take on the Brumbies this Saturday," Ruthven said in a statement.
"We have a fairly experienced side with the addition of some younger players
"We now have to take all that hard work that we have done in pre-season and perform to that level and standard on Saturday night."
WARATAHS (1-15): Emily Robinson, Brittany Merlo, Bridie O'Gorman, Sera Naiqama, Annabelle Codey, Skye Churchill, Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck (c), Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse
RESERVES: Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Brianna Hoy, Eva Karpani, Hollie Cameron, Leilani Nathan, Tatum Bird, Waiaria Ellis, Jade Sheridan
