Waratahs centre Curtis Rona believes he has what it takes to make the Wallabies No.13 jersey his own and has the backing of Australia's most dangerous player, Israel Folau.
Rona scored the opening try for NSW and was an influential figure in the Waratahs' 52-41 win over the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.
On song: Waratahs centre Curtis Rona is making the most of his opportunities.
Photo: AAP
Across the Wallabies backline, the outside-centre position will cause Michael Cheika more headaches than any other heading into the first Test against Ireland on Saturday.
After starting on the wing for the Waratahs in the first four matches this season, Rona moved to No.13 – the position he lined up in for 13 of 14 matches last year at the Western Force.
It is Ronas preferred position and he has stated his desire to make that jersey his own at international level.
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“I like No.13 … you're probably more in the game and I feel like Im better used there to be honest,” Rona told Fairfax Media. “I think Ive done a great job over the off-season with the coaching staff and players around me to get to me to a stage where I can play 13 at international level.
“Im ready to play. Im ready to go. Its good prep with the Waratahs and I think Im ready to go to that next stage.”
Folau agrees Rona “absolutely” has what it takes to add to his three Tests last year, in which he featured on the wing as a starter and and bench player.
“Hes an outstanding player,” Folau said. “Hes been doing a great job for us in that position at the Waratahs. If he gets given that opportunity to play there Im sure hell a great job for the team if its at 13 or the wing. Hes a player that can fit in anywhere. Hes been playing some great footy.”
Rona and Folau will now turn their attention to Wallabies duties as the majority of their Waratahs teammates reflect on what has been a positive season to date.
The Waratahs have won seven of their 13 games and drawn against the Sharks in Durban.
They are one point clear of the Rebels at the top of the Australian conference with three games remaining after the June Test window.
Rona said the group took particular delight in proving doubters wrong after a tumultuous 2017 season in which they managed four wins from 15 attempts.
“A lot of people are probably doubting us but we know what we need to do and we trust our systems," Rona said. "Its showing there with the results. Weve got something special were building here.
“I guess some people say: 'NSW arent up for it'. They try and put us into a category that I believe were not in and trying to say were not a decent team. I think weve got quality players. If everyone puts in the hard yards, we know we can keep improving.”
One milestone that was lost in the try-fest at Suncorp Stadium was that Folau has now scored the most tries of any Waratahs player in history.
Folau now has chalked up 52 tries, surpassing Cyril Towers' mark of 51 during a career at NSW from 1926 to 1938.
“Im blown away, I dont know what to say,” Folau said. “Going out there every weekend Im putting my best foot forward and doing the best I can for the team. Scoring those tries is just a bonus in the end.”
Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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