The HSBC Waratahs have finalised their playing roster and coaching panel for the 2012 Super Rugby season with the re-signing of Sitaleki Timani and the appointment of new coaching coordinator Greg Mumm.
Following his breakthrough season for the HSBC Waratahs, Timani earned national selection in July and is currently playing in Japan with the Canon Eagles. He will return to the squad at the conclusion of the Japanese season.
“There’s no doubt that Sita was one of the real success stories of 2011,” said Michael Foley, HSBC Waratahs head coach. “He started the year outside the Super Rugby squad and finished it as a Wallaby.
“By the end of the Super Rugby season he was one of the form locks in the competition and his game has really developed in a short space of time.
“Sita has always had a unique skill set and great mobility for a player of his size. He’s always had the ability to break a game open, but this year he developed a lot more accuracy and better judgement in his decision making on the field, and that’s allowed him to become a much more complete footballer.
Timani is the final player to join the 30-man Super Rugby squad, while his brother Lopeti is one of five players included in the Extended Playing Squad.
Mumm’s appointment as coaching coordinator sees him return once again to the HSBC Waratahs where he has previously held positions with the NSWRU Academy and HSBC Junior Waratahs.
In 2010 Mumm, the brother of international forward Dean, coached Sydney University to their record sixth-straight premiership, and he has just completed his role of assistant coach with the Fijian national side.
“Greg is one of the best young coaches in Australian Rugby and it’s great to have him back in the NSW framework,” said Foley. “He will be responsible for coordinating the football program and coaching the team’s defence.
“In a very short space of time Greg has gone from coaching at Colts level to being on the coaching panel of an international team at the World Cup, which speaks volumes for his ability and reputation.”
Mumm’s appointment finalises the 2012 coaching team which includes Foley (head coach), Alan Gaffney (senior assistant coach) and Scott Bowen.
The HSBC Waratahs will commence pre-season training on Monday 31 October and will include a selection of players from Sydney’s club ranks who will be invited to train with the team while some members of the squad remain on international duty.
2012 HSBC WARATAHS
Super Rugby Squad
Chris Alcock (Eastwood), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Northern Suburbs), Berrick Barnes (Sydney University), Tom Carter (Sydney University), Dave Dennis (Sydney University), Kane Douglas (Southern Districts), Rocky Elsom (Randwick), Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood), Bernard Foley (Sydney University), Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University), Rob Horne (Southern Districts), Brackin Karauria-Henry (Southern Districts), Sekope Kepu (Randwick), Tom Kingston (Sydney University), Pat McCutcheon (Sydney University), Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs), Drew Mitchell (Balmain), Dean Mumm (Sydney University), Atieli Pakalani (Randwick), Wycliff Palu (Manly), Greg Peterson (Manly), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta), Sarel Pretorius (TBC), Benn Robinson (Eastwood), Paddy Ryan (Sydney University), Jeremy Tilse (Sydney University), Sitaleki Timani (Southern Districts), Lachie Turner (Eastwood), John Ulugia (Southern Districts), Dan Vickerman (Sydney University).
Extended Playing Squad
Grayson Hart (Southern Districts), Tevita Metuisela (Manly), Lotu Taukeiaho (Randwick), Lopeti Timani (Southern Districts), Nathan Trist (Sydney University)
Coaching Staff
Michael Foley – Head Coach
Alan Gaffney – Senior Assistant Coach
Scott Bowen – Assistant Coach
Greg Mumm – Coaching Coordinator
