NSW Waratahs flyhalf Lawson Creighton is relishing the opportunity to steer his side’s attack in Saturday night’s round four Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Western Force at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney.
For Creighton, who joined the NSW Waratahs from the Queensland Reds in the off-season, the game will mark his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the side.
The game, the first local derby for the NSW Waratahs, also features in a double-header. Beforehand, from 5.05 pm, the NSW Waratahs Women also play their round 2 Super Rugby Women's fixture against the Western Force.
Creighton has worked hard to earn his starting spot after overcoming a groin injury that hampered his pre-season preparations.
Creighton has come into the starting XV for Tane Edmed who has been named on the bench for Round 4 that promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
Reflecting on the moment he received this selection news from NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar, Creighton said he was pleasantly surprised.
“A little bit surprised, obviously,” Creighton told the media following the NSW Waratahs’ ‘Captain’s Run’ at their base in Daceyville on Friday morning.
“I had an injury coming into this pre-season, so I’ve just been training hard and trying to get myself back in the team.
“When I was told I was starting, I was excited. It’s been a good week of training with the boys, so I’m heading into the weekend confident.”
Creighton’s pre-season was disrupted by a more severe-than-expected groin injury, initially diagnosed as osteitis pubis.
The setback delayed his full integration into training, but he credits the NSW Waratahs' coaching and medical staff for their patience and support in helping him return to match fitness.
“Coming into a new club, I just wanted to put my head down and work hard,” Creighton said.
“It was tough not being able to do that straight away, but I’m grateful to the coaches, staff, and strength and conditioning team for getting me back.
“The focus was always on getting my body right first and then training hard from there.”
Competition for the NSW Waratahs’ flyhalf jersey has been fierce, with Creighton acknowledging the challenge of securing a regular starting spot.
“There’s competition in a lot of positions across the team, which is great,” he said.
“For me, this is my first Super Rugby start in a while, so I just want to keep it simple, trust myself, and do my job.
“If the other 14 guys do the same, we’ll be in for a good performance.”
The Western Force, coming off a competitive start to the season with two wins and a narrow loss, will pose a strong challenge at Allianz Stadium.
The NSW Waratahs have studied the Force closely, particularly flyhalf Ben Donaldson and halfback Nic White, who will be key in their attacking plans.
“We know a lot of their play goes through ‘Whitey’ and ‘Dono,’ so it’s about limiting their time and space,” Creighton said.
“If we can control the tempo and apply pressure, we’ll be in a strong position.”
This weekend will also mark Creighton’s return to goal-kicking duties, something he has been gradually reintegrating after his groin injury.
“Kicking was something I wasn’t able to do for six months, so it’s been about getting those reps back and finding my rhythm again,” he said.
“The last couple of weeks, I’ve felt my confidence return, and I’m looking forward to stepping up in that role.”
NSW Waratahs v the Western Force
When: at 7.35 pm Saturday 8 March 2025
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
To purchase your tickets, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on 9Gem and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
