Cam Crawford was all smiles at training on Tuesday after scoring on debut for the Waratahs last weekend.

by Brendan Bradford –

While Israel Folau was the centre of attention in the Waratahs’ trial match against the Rebels last weekend, Northern Suburbs back, Cam Crawford also made an impressive, try-scoring debut in the Sky-Blue jersey.

Back in Sydney off the back of a stint at the Brumbies, Crawford was itching to get on the paddock after a long off-season and pre-season, and what better way to dust off the cobwebs than playing for your favourite team?

“I hadn’t played since the end of the Canberra comp in August so it was good to go out and get some game-time,” he said after training on Tuesday.

“It was the first time I’ve put on the jersey I’d always watched growing up, so it was a pretty cool feeling.”

Crawford made a name for himself at Norths where he was the Shute Shield’s third top try-scorer in 2010 and 2011.

The towering, versatile back spent his 60-minutes of game-time between both wings and fullback in a backline overflowing with talent that has readily adapted to coach, Michael Cheika’s attacking style of play.

“Everyone has really embraced the running aspect of the game and we only kicked when we were really down our own end under pressure,” said Crawford.

 “We made a lot of breaks from inside our own 22 as well, which was tough on the lungs but enjoyable to play.”

And for Waratahs fans desperate for entertainment, it promises to be enjoyable to watch, too.

With a solid first performance under his belt, Crawford is hoping to book a ticket to New Zealand this weekend for the Waratahs’ second trial match against the Blues in Whangarei this Saturday. After a disappointing 2012 season, the Blues have recruited well and under the guidance of All Blacks legend John Kirwan, put on an entertaining display in going down 41-35 to the Reds last Saturday.

“It’ll be another massive opportunity if I get to go and play the Blues who have a pretty similar style to us and they’ll be pretty hungry, so it should be a good game.”

The 24-16 win against the Rebels last weekend was a good result for a young and relatively inexperienced Waratahs side and Crawford says they’re only going to get better with every game. One particular combination is already bearing fruit as it was Folau who put Crawford over for his try.

“I actually told him right before the lineout, ‘put me over for one here,’ so we both had big smiles on our faces when I scored. I knew he’d probably get another one so I just wanted to get one for myself.”