NSW Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble admits his disappointing 2024 form is fuelling the backrower heading into their tour match against Kubota Spears
Gamble will co-captain the Waratahs in the non televised hit-out against the Japanese club on Friday alongside club stalwart Hugh Sinclair.
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It looms as the first time the new-look Waratahs will take the field under new coach Dan McKellar, with the 28-year-old settling into life under the former Brumbies boss.
With a number of players still on Wallaby duties, Gamble is embracing the shot to lead the Waratahs.
“This is my sixth season now. It’s a bit of a different thing taking a bit of responsibility and a leadership role, but I enjoy it as well,” Gamble told RugbyPass and rugby.com.au last week.
“It’s (always) going to be quite different when a whole new coaching staff comes in and it's just figuring out what the coaches want from us, adapting to that, and the boys are working really hard.
“I think the transition has been really good. The boys are brought in, really working hard and everyone's enjoying it.”
Gamble’s attitude comes as he conceded he failed to live up to his own expectations in 2024.
The Waratahs slumped to the bottom of the ladder as Gamble looked to boost his stocks following the rise of Fraser McReight, Carlo Tizzano and Luke Reimer.
“I was probably a bit disappointed in how I played,” he admits when asked about his own performances in 2024.
“I feel like I could’ve offered a bit more but I can’t change that now.
“I’ve got a few goals in my head but first of all, I really want to put the team first and if I can play really well for this team then we’ll see what happens going forward.
“…Everyone wants to put their hand up to wear a gold jersey in some way so I think some of the boys that got left out, they're pretty fired up to have a good season.”
McKellar has turned to the future of the club for the trials with Australia U20s trio Eamon Doyle, , Archie Saunders and Joey Fowler included in the squad.
They are joined by the likes of former Rebel Lukas Ripley and Force recruit Sifa Amone
