Northern Suburbs coach Zak Beer has backed 22-year old centre Henry O’Donnell to make the most of his opportunity in the Waratahs’ starting backline on Friday night against the Fijian Drua. 

Backs Joseph Suaalii and Joey Walton will miss the round three Super Rugby clash with toe and groin injuries respectively, opening the door for O’Donnell to make his Tah’s debut in front of a big home crowd on Friday night in Sydney. 

“It’s been quite a a journey for Henry,” Beer told Rugby News during the week.

“He was a Norths junior and then signed with the Western Force, where he earned a couple of caps off the bench, both here and in New Zealand. 

“At a Shute Shield level, he debuted as an 18-year old and over the the last couple of years, he’s been influential in a number of key moments for us at Norths in some huge clashes, including a couple of grand finals. 

“Now he earns a very well deserved start for the Waratahs at home. It’s pretty special and everyone here at Norths are really excited for him.”

O’Donnell played alongside Jack Bowen at Riverview and joined Sydney Uni after finishing school before returning home to Norths. 

He represented the Junior Wallabies in 2023, then spent two seasons in Perth before rejoining the Waratahs and Norths at the end of last year’s Super Rugby season. 

“Henry has got three key pillars that a lot of great rugby players have,” Beer said. 

“Firstly, he’s got raw and natural athletic ability and that’s continuing to develop. He’s powerful through the hips, he’s got a great catch pass and he’s brilliant defensively. 

“Then he’s got a really strong rugby IQ which is also continuing to develop. The way he sees the game probably gives him an extra second at times compared to other players and that makes a massive difference, particularly in his position. 

“Then finally he has a fantastic mindset. Henry’s a winner and anyone who’s been involved with Henry or played against him knows how fiercely competitive he is.”

Friday night could prove to be a tricky assignment for O’Donnell against a powerful and at times unpredictable Drua backline but Beer seemed confident his centre would be up to the task. 

“I’m sure Dan (McKellar) and the coaching staff in there would have spoken to him about what his role is playing alongside Lalakai (Foketi) in the centres this week. He’s got a great, experienced partner in Foketi which will help and I’m sure Dan has given him a super clear role. 

“It’s a big occasion, but knowing Henry, he’ll be desperate to nail his role for the team and hopefully that helps the Tahs finish the evening with the result they are after.”

Beer said he’s equally thrilled for prop Sifa Amone, another Norths product who returned to Sydney from Perth last year. 

Amone scored two tries late in the Waratahs’ opening round win over the Highlanders and has quickly turned into a Tahs’ fan favourite. 

“Sifa has dropped a pretty incredible amount of weight over the last few months after leaving the Force and returning to the Waratahs. 

“I think that says a lot about his character and his commitment to make the most of the opportunity he’s got. 

“Like Henry, he was was influential for Norths in our finals campaign last year and he’s beaten out some pretty decent props there for that bench spot behind (Taniela) Tupou. 

“He’s still young and he’s got an incredibly high ceiling in terms of where he can get to. When you add his mindset, I think you’ll see him get better with every game he plays over the next few years.”

The Waratahs will be desperate to make the most of their second home match when round three of this year’s Super Rugby season kicks off on Friday and Beer said there will be plenty of Shoremen in the stands to cheer on their teammates. 

“Henry and Sif are both really popular amongst our playing group, but also across the broader club. 

“I was at our academy training last week and all the kids were asking about Sifa’s debut and when Henry was going to get a shot so it’s great to see both of them playing alongside one another in Sydney.”