The Japan Times - Suaalii-led Waratahs brimming with confidence ahead of Super Rugby season

The Waratahs collected the club competition's wooden spoon last season, but kick off at home on Friday against the Otago Highlanders with 11 Wallabies in the starting line-up.

They include prop Taniela Tupou and flanker Rob Leota who joined from the now-defunct Melbourne Rebels, along with rugby league convert Suaalii.

Fullback Suaalii signed a multi-million dollar deal at the end of the 2024 season and played his first game of professional rugby union when Australia met England in November, producing an eye-catching performance.

"Joseph has been great for the group. He has come in and we know his aerial skills, how good he is in the air ... his professionalism has been impressive," said Gordon.

"He'll have an influence on the game, but there are guys around him to do great jobs as well.

"We can feel the hype," added Gordon. "We're just trying to relax until the game comes but we're excited."

The Waratahs also have a new coach in Dan McKellar, who was appointed after parting company with English Premiership giants Leicester.

McKellar, seen as a potential successor when Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt departs after this year's Rugby Championship, said it was the start of a new journey for everyone at the club.

"I spoke to the players about the fact we've got seven debutants (in the side), a head coach on debut, as well as a number of assistant coaches and staff," McKellar said.

"It's an exciting time for the NSW Waratahs, as we embark on a new journey for the organisation."

Along with Tupou, Leota and Suaalii, prop Siosifa Amone, second rower Ben Grant, English back rower Jamie Adamson and winger Darby Lancaster will make their first starts for the 'Tahs.

Amone joined from Western Force, Lancaster from the Rebels, Grant from the Wellington Hurricanes while Adamson came through the ranks of Shute Shield rugby.

McKellar said the team selected was "probably the hardest one I had to pick".

"It was so competitive," he said. "That's what you want. You want to have to make the tough decisions. And we're confident we've picked a team that's ready to perform well on Friday."

M.Sugiyama--JT