Waratahs rally around Harrison after heartbreaking knee setback

Tue, Apr 11, 2023, 3:42 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The NSW Waratahs are throwing their support behind luckless playmaker Will Harrison after his latest injury setback.

Harrison has been ruled out for the rest of the season after re-injuring his knee during his comeback with Randwick in the Shute Shield on Friday.

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The 23-year-old was making his return from a toe injury suffered at the start of the season with NSW Waratahs A.

It's Harrison's second major injury in the space of 12 months, only recently recovering from a multi-ligament knee injury suffered last year against the Chiefs during Super Round.

Centre Lalakai Foketi admitted it was tough to see the popular Harrison go through another major setback, but he had to support of the whole group.

“I think it affects this group massively,” centre Lalakai Foketi said.

“He brings so much energy and (is) a great player. We talk about Tah Tough and he’s one of those that shows it.

“We all feel from him and we’re right behind him. We know when his body is right and he’s able to play some footy he’ll be really damaging.

“We just can’t wait to see him out there.”

Harrison will have plenty of players to lean on for advice, including prop Harry Johnson-Holmes, who is coming off his own major injury.

Johnson-Holmes suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Wallabies camp last year, joining Harrison in the rehab process.

He believes Harrison can come back better than ever, impressed with his approach.

“I’ve caught up with ‘Harro’ since and chatted with him about it and what’s awesome is he’s such a resilient guy,” Johnson-Holmes said.

“For someone to go back-to-back on major injuries, you’d be pretty concerned about where his head is at but even three or four days out from injuring his knee, he’s got a really good plan.

“What is most surprising is how excited he is to get the surgery out of the way and get back into work. It’s really admirable but also a tell of how good of a man he is and how much he wants to succeed.” 

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