Thursday, 23 January 2020:
 | | KURTLEY BEALE | |
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Kurtley Beale has likened exciting new NSW Waratahs teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase to Israel Folau, while coach Rob Penney has hailed the attitude of Test backrower Jack Dempsey.
Both new vice-captain Beale and flanker Dempsey will have their first hitout of the year for the Waratahs on Friday in the team's final trial against Queensland before to start of the Super Rugby tournament.
Junior Wallaby Nawaqanitawase excelled at fullback in last week's trial but has been moved to the wing, with Beale taking over the No.15 jersey.
Asked if Nawaqanitawase reminded him of himself, Beale referred to former Waratahs and Wallabies teammate and fullback Folau, who was sacked from both teams after making a controversial social media post last year.
"He reminds me of Izzy, a bit, to be fair, he has the height and he has got the jump," Beale said.
"He has definitely got a bit of flair about him. It is going to be exciting working with him throughout the year to help him reach his full potential alongside some other exciting backs that are coming through
"As one of the senior guys it's great to have that new blood coming through that are just oozing excitement and enthusiasm.
"When there is a change those are the two things you probably look for and we've got that in spades in the forwards and the backs.".
Mack Mason and Will Harrison have been named as the starting five-eighths over the Tahs first two trials, but Beale didn't rule out returning to a position he has played in the past.
"I've had a chat with Rob (Penney) and there is a chance to play 10 throughout the year, but mainly starting off at 15," Beale said.
"Being ready if the call to 10 is where I need to be, I'll be open to that and ready for the challenge.
"I've been there before I'm very confident in what needs to be done in that position.
"This next generation of (five-eighth) players, certainly Will Harrison and Mack are doing a great job guiding the team."
Penney is keeping an open mind, about the five-eight spot, but was full of praise for Wallabies' backrower Dempsey
"I can't speak highly enough, he's had some setbacks with his physical stuff over the years," Penney said.
"He came in four weeks early and did a hell of a lot of training to get himself right and then he had another little setback and he's overcome that again."
