The Battle for the Tahs’ No.10 Jersey: Jorgo on Track for Super Start

Darren Coleman made it clear that the No.10 jersey for the 2024 season is up for grabs, and defended the play roster strategy after the Wallabies playmaker was pushed out of the franchise. Donaldson, aged 24, was selected as one of the World Cup bolters in 2023 and was chosen as one of the two playmakers in the Wallabies’ squad by Eddie Jones, despite leaving the Waratahs. He struggled to justify the price tag others offered following an indifferent season. In the absence of other playmakers, Tane Edmed and Will Harrison, the Waratahs struggled for consistency, with Donaldson lacking in various aspects of his play.

Jones selected Donaldson alongside Test rookie Carter Gordon in the squad, causing confusion among many observers. The former player and now coach sarcastically mentioned Randwick (Donaldson’s former club) when asked about the selection. Jones talked up Donaldson’s ability and left it to the Waratahs to explain why they didn’t make the most of him.

Donaldson started the tournament in a positive way at fullback, but suffered at fly-half due to Gordon’s form issues. Coleman, the Waratahs coach, clarified that they made an offer to Donaldson but couldn’t meet the financial restraints based on his Wallabies performance. The team has multiple options as playmakers for next season, and the battle for the No.10 jersey among them is expected to be intense.

Max Jorgensen, who suffered a leg injury ahead of the Wallabies’ final Pool C World Cup fixture against Portugal, is making good progress and is expected to be ready for round one of the upcoming season. Coleman spoke about the importance of balancing Jorgensen’s recovery to ensure he is physically and mentally fit for the new season.