Maddocks to step into Beale’s boots

Sydney: Jack Maddocks has waited a long time to wear the starting No.15 jersey for his home state and says he has no plans to waste the opportunity with a player strike over pay.

The seven-Test Wallaby will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of a slow-drip player exodus from Australian rugby when he runs out at fullback for NSW against Queensland in the opening game of Super Rugby AU at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

After struggling to make a mark in a poor-performing Waratahs outfit in the first iteration of the competition earlier this year, Kurtley Beale’s early exit to France has left Maddocks with a golden opportunity to settle into a position.

“From my point of view, personally, I’m finally in a position that I’ve wanted to be in for a long time and I’m really excited to play some footy,” he said.

“I know I can’t speak for everyone - there are guys in our team with three or four kids and people relying on them- but I’m confident that everyone will come to a resolution we’re happy with.”

This weekend’s fixtures: Friday9.05pm Reds v Waratahs; Saturday9.15pm Brumbies v Rebels.