Teenager set for Aussie 7s debut in Perth
Yesterday at 01:40 AM
NEWS: Western Sydney teenager Hadley Tonga is set to make his much-anticipated debut in the third round of the HSBC SVNS series in Perth from January 24-26.
Australia Men's coach Liam Barry has included 19-year-old Tonga for his first tournament since the Kings School prodigy entered the Sevens system in 2023.
Tonga is considered one of the most exciting teenagers in Australia with injury cruelling him of a possible debut sooner.
His inclusion is one of three changes made by Barry following the Cape Town event. Veteran Maurice Longbottom's return from injury will further boost the side.
Longbottom has not played since the Paris Olympics and will be looking to help the team improve on its current eighth-place standing after two rounds.
Olympic reserve Josh Turner has also signed a contract to return to the squad following Nathan Lawson's departure and will play straight into the side for Perth.
In a setback though, Henry Paterson has been ruled out after he picked up an ankle injury in Cape Town while Henry Palmer and James McGregor make way.
Paterson, who was this week named as a co-captain by Barry alongside Henry Hutchison moving forward, is aiming to be back for the next event in Vancouver.
Both Australian teams will be looking to go one better in Perth this year after making the final in last year's corresponding event in front of the bumper home crowd.
Australia Men's Sevens coach Liam Barry said: "The team has prepared well and can't wait to play their home tournament in front of family and fans in Perth.
"We are stoked to welcome back Josh Turner and Maurice Longbottom to the squad while Hadley Tonga is looking to debut in Perth and that's exciting for everyone.
"Very few teams have a home tournament so the players know it comes with expectation and it's a great opportunity for us."
*Meanwhile, Australia Women's Sevens coach Tim Walsh has made one change to his squad for the home event with Demi Hayes returning in place of Sariah Paki, who has been ruled out with a calf complaint.
Hayes missed the Cape Town tournament to manage her return from a knee injury but is back to help guide the squad in her 26th event.
Walsh said: "Perth put on a show last year and we want to join the Aussie summer party and express ourselves out on the field.
"Once a year we play international 7s on home soil and there is no better time to enjoy our rugby. Bella Nasser will lead the side again after a successful first outing in Dubai.
"We will continue to develop our young guns alongside our existing world-class rugby players.
"We have five more global series tournaments finishing off in a champions final in Los Angeles and it is shaping up for a rewarding year for the 7s players."
Australia's Men have been drawn into Pool A alongside Argentina, South Africa, and the USA while the Aussie Women are in Pool C with matches against China, France, and Spain in the regular rounds.
Australia Men's Team for HSBC SVNS Perth 2024/2025:
1. Henry Hutchison (captain)
2. Ben Dowling
9. Matt Gonzalez
10. Ben Dalton
11. Maurice Longbottom
13. Jayden Blake
14. James Turner
15. Sid Harvey
23. Aden Ekanayake
25. Hayden Sargeant
29. Josh Turner
71. Hadley Tonga*
87. Michael Icely
Australia Women's Team for HSBC SVNS Perth 2024/2025:
1. Piper Simons
3. Faith Nathan
4. Mackenzie Davis
5. Teagan Levi
7. Charlotte Caslick
9. Tia Hinds
10. Isabella Nasser (c)
11. Demi Hayes
12. Maddison Levi
13. Heidi Dennis
15. Kahli Henwood
23. Ruby Nicholas
28. Kiiahla Duff
