Beale in, Marky Mark snubbed as Schmidt names first Wallabies squad
Joe Schmidt has selected 16 players from the two Super Rugby teams that have missed the finals to keep training ahead of this winter’s Tests.
According to several media reports the Kiwi coach has rewarded Kurtley Beale for a return to Super Rugby with Western Force by requiring him to turn to continue training.
In a bold move Schmidt, appears to have turned his back on star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who will snub rugby at the end of this season to join the Sydney Roosters NRL team in 2025.
Marky Mark was one of the Wallabies best in 2023 although his form has waned as part of the wooden spoon Waratahs
Flyhalves Tane Edmed and Ben Donaldson have been named – although the leading contenders for the contentious No.10 spot – Noah Lolesio and Carter Gordon, plus Tom Lynagh, are sure to come into the reckoning after the finals.
It makes sense that Schmidt would keep Edmed active with the No.10 jersey being such a key job – but it’s hard to imagine he’s any higher than fifth choice.
Mark Nawaqanitawase (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Schmidt has previously suggested his squad for the Wales would be entirely made up of home based players.
It was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald that Nic White, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and Izack Rodda were also included from the Force.
The other Waratahs named were Dylan Pietsch, Charlie Gamble, Jake Gordon, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson and Lalakai Foketi.
An RA spokesman told The Roar that they had yet to lock in the timing of the announcement of Schmidt’s first squad with that dependent on how deep the Australian teams go into the Super Rugby finals.
This is in keeping with previous years. As a guide, Eddie Jones named 33 players in his first full squad in April 2023 and 36 ahead of The Rugby Championship.
The call up of Amatosero comes as just reward after his progress.
The Waratahs brought the giant lock home from Clermont in France and he has made it clear being a Wallaby is front of mind.
“Playing for Australia is all I want. I’ve always said, ‘Man, I wish one day I could be a Wallaby,’” he said.