What Wallabies hopeful took out of stint in New Zealand's NPC
NEWS: A short stint in New Zealand has given Waratah’s playmaker Tane Edmed a timely confidence boost as he chases his dream of pulling on a Wallabies jersey.
Currently part of the Wallabies training hub in Canberra before next week’s squad announcement for the spring UK tour, Edmed is hoping to win one of the flyhalf vacancies.
Edmed used part of his Super Rugby Pacific off-season to play for North Harbour in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship, where he scored a mammoth 33 individual points in one victory.
The 24-year-old said he relished his Kiwi experience after some lean seasons with the struggling Waratahs.
“I’ve always known I’ve had the ability, it’s always been there, but it’s pretty crazy what a new environment can do, a fresh start and a new perspective,” Edmed said on Tuesday.
“It definitely helped me confidence-wise to see that I can do that, and just getting that enjoyment back again as it’s been a tough few years at the Waratahs.
“At the same time, I’m also very aware that NPC is not Super, it’s not Test-level rugby, so obviously there’ll be challenges still ahead, but it definitely made me more confident in my own abilities, for sure.”
Edmed is competing with Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson, and Tom Lynagh, although all are expected to get game time either in the Wallabies’ four Tests or with an Australia XV, who will play two tour matches.
Despite the rivalry, Lolesio was happy to share the Wallabies’ attacking strategies with Edmed during their training drills.
“Everyone’s trying to get better here for the sake of Australian rugby, so we’re all happy to help and Noah’s been awesome, showing me the attack plan and all that sort of stuff,” said Edmed.
“It’s a really positive environment and just being here for two days, I’ve loved it so much and I want to make sure that I’m trying to expose myself to this environment as much as I can … I’d love to be here a bit more.”
Edmed has been training alongside NRL convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and predicts the 21-year-old former Sydney Roosters star will quickly make his mark.
“It probably won’t take him too long, he’s a natural athlete,” Edmed said of his new NSW teammate.
“He’s got his head on his shoulders, he’s intuitive, he’s looking to learn every session and at the end of the day, he’s a great football player.
“So I don’t think it will take him too long and being an outside back, I don’t think there’s a whole lot different.
“I think he’s going to be a massive asset to the Waratahs and then hopefully the Wallabies.”
