By Jon Geddes

EASTERN Suburbs coach Ben Batger  believes his star halfback Teddy Wilson is ready to  put the pressure on Wallaby No.9 Jake Gordon at the NSW Waratahs next season.

He made the observation as Wilson prepares to again play a key role for the Beasties in Saturday’s grand final qualifier against Warringah at North Sydney Oval.

The game will be another opportunity for the gifted 21-year-old to showcase his skills in a high-pressure do-or-die clash.        

“He has been outstanding for us,” Batger told Rugby News of ahead Saturday’s showdown.

“This is the first time he has been able to play more than five games of 15s in a row.

“And I think we are just seeing the benefits of a young guy playing  footy consistently.”

Those comments just reinforce the crucial role that Shute Shield should play in the Australian rugby landscape.   

“I hope he gets a big opportunity next year –  and even though Jake Gordon is a Wallaby 9, I think he will push him – that’s how talented he is,” Batger said.

“Over the last couple of weeks he has scored some tries that only the very very best halfbacks in the world could do like your Duponts ( French superstar Antoine Dupont) or (All Black) TJ Peranara.” 

With the British Lions tour next year, and Australia hosting the World Cup in 2027, now is the time to load up some of our young guns.             

MORE THAN HALF A THREAT

WARRINGAH coach Josh Holmes, a former champion halfback himself, is well aware of the danger Wilson poses.

“I think Teddy Wilson is very good for them, he is quite dynamic around the ruck. He is a threat,” Holmes said.

“If you give him some space he can cause a lot of damage.”

Holmes also knows that Wilson has strong support around him at Easts.

“They have a really good scrum and a really good lineout,” he said. 

“And once they get in your end they are happy just to toil away.

“We’ve obviously got to be ready to match that physical element. 

“Then we’ve got to have our set piece right this weekend.”

READY TO GO

THE game will be a big challenge for Warringah, who have a six-day turnaround after their 100-minute extra time 31-16 loss to Norths last Sunday.

 “We are underdogs, people can write us off, that’s fine. I don’t really care what they say,” said Holmes, who has just re-signed with Warringah for next season.

“I thought the boys for 80 minutes were outstanding. We stuck to our policies, we showed what Rats defence is about.

“There is no reason for us to go away from what we have been doing well.”

Batger doesn’t believe the scenario will affect Warringah.

“I’ve been there as a player and a coach and if you can’t get up for a finals game, there I something wrong,” Batger said.

“They are a very proud and a very tough club as well, that’s certainly one thing about them.

“They’ve got a bit of a never say die attitude which I respect.

“They were behind for 79 minutes last week and were able to pull a rabbit out of their hat in the final minute.”

Batger well remembers what happened when the sides met in round six this season and the Rats ended up winning 27-22.

“We were up by 15 points and they came home with three tries,” he said.

 HEAR THE VOICE, NOW THEY UNDERSTAND IT     

BATGER  believes his revitalised Easts team aren’t quite at their best yet, but they are pretty close.

“The biggest credit I can give the boys is I do a lot less coaching,” he said. “They know our style, they know what we need to do.

“Ten rounds ago I was probably going hoarse at every training session – my throat was getting sore every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“Now they have taken it on and believe in how we want to play it.”