If there is one place Australian rugby is in desperate need of depth, it’s the centres.
The game of rugby has transformed since professionalism, with centres being required to not just serve in the defensive line, but be a chief attacking weapon, act as a second playmaker to take pressure off the flyhalf, serve as a vital tactical kicker, and more.
Australia has had several exciting prospects over the last few years, with Samu Kerevi, Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau combining in several combinations over the last few years.
Ikitau has proven himself to be a dangerous attack weapon, and his combination with a new arrival in a certain former Rooster turned-Waratah bodes well that Australia’s days of thin centre depth might be ending.
Is the success of Len Ikitau a sign of things to come for the Wallabies? (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Throw in the likes of Josh Flook, Hamish Stewart and Joey Walton getting more time at Super Rugby and in other national teams like Australia XV, and things look even better.
However, things are even more exciting when you consider the generation coming through the ranks.
Inside Centre
Inside Centre has been a bugbear position for the Wallabies really since (if we’re honest) Tim Horan retired. Matt Giteau was the last player to own the jersey, over a decade ago.
Hunter Paisami didn’t really take his chance when given the first crack this year, but Schmidt’s team was still finding its groove at that point. Unfortunately for the Queensland centre, Len Ikitau has made a good fist of his move there when the team was starting to fire, with even a standout Super season likely to not change Schmidt’s thinking about his centre pairing.
Samu Kerevi could still be the man for the Wallabies at 12, but a youngster will need to stand out from the pack after the next World Cup and finally give the Wallabies some consistency in the jersey.
Boston Fakafanua
Fakafanua is a talented player, but also to the point where it is hard to determine what his best position is. Having played in both centre positions and at fullback – and excelling at all of them – he could even give flyhalf a good go if given the chance. Possessing good feet and a bit of physicality to go with his ball playing, the Force was smart to lure him away from the Waratahs and get into an environment where regular game time is possible – and his versatility might see him on the bench in Super Rugby sooner rather than later.
Jarrah McLeod
How on earth was Jarrah McLeod not elevated to the Brumbies top squad this year? Despite this disappointment, it will more than likely be a case of when, not if, he makes the senior squad, as he looks to be their next long-term inside centre due to his great mix of physicality, directness and ball playing. The Brumbies have some of the best depth in the country when it comes to centres, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that McLeod will get his opportunity in the big leagues sooner rather than later.
Zach Fittler with the NSW Waratahs. Photo: Stan
Zach Fittler
Unfairly used in the pissing contest between union and league, it looks like a matter of the right time and the right place for this young man. He’s fast, built, strong in contact and skilful, but needs time to build his portfolio at inside centre, having been moved all over the backline at Scots. The potential is real though – with the many hats inside centres are expected to wear, Fittler could be a savvy purchase by the Tahs.
Dre Pakeho
Another player who has benefited from early exposure to First Grade, Brothers have made a great move in recent times in preparing colts to bridge the gap at higher levels – both from a competitive and a pathway perspective. Pakeho showed his worth in both the Wales and Reds games this year, and elevation to the top squad was warranted. He looks set to excel over the next few years.
Chase Bunce
It is hard to believe that this exciting prospect is only 15 years old! Charles Bunce has a great mix of physicality, athleticism and ball-playing skills – and looms as a great local prospect for the Western Force.
Bunce has been plying his trade for Cottesloe for several years, being named in the Wallabies U16s last month. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s also the nephew of former All-Black Frank Bunce. Here’s hoping we haven’t got another Tyrell Lomax or Tamaiti Williams on our hands – because Chase Bunce would be a dangerous prospect in gold!
Honorable mention: Matt Gough
Outside Centre
As tempting as it would be to see what he could do from the wing, the impressive performances of Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii at outside centre have pretty much cemented him as the front-runner in that position against the Lions, and likely on to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But, should he go down, who’s next in line?
Ronan Leahy
With Henry O’Donnell’s move back to the Waratahs, it feels like the runway is clear for Ronan Leahy to step into the outside centre jersey for the Western Force once they’ve gotten a bit more physical development into him – having made his Super Rugby debut late in the year on the wing. Being on the slighter side doesn’t stop him from cutting blokes in half, however, and once he fully develops, he has huge potential to become a massive figure in Super Rugby.
Kadin Pritchard
If you have been in Queensland’s rugby circles, many already know how good this young man is. The Brumbies were able to lure him down to Canberra, as a successor to Ikitau. Extremely dangerous with ball in hand, Pritchard is a fantastic Wallaby prospect – and with Ikitau likely serving as his target to reach, expect the youngsters development to explode at the Brumbies’ academy.
Frankie Goldsbrough
Frankie Goldsbrough’s name has been floating around Australian rugby for the last few years, especially given the amount of time he has spent in the Reds’ senior squad. It’s easy to forget he is still only 18. Goldsbrough has added more variety to his game style this year, especially with his kicking. Already, he is showing signs that the Reds’ belief in him is warranted – and given his regular inclusion in the senior side, we should expect to see him become a regular inclusion in the matchday team.
Henry O’Donnell
A physical presence in the midfield, Henry O’Donnell was one of the best performers for the Junior Wallabies in 2023. Having moved back to Sydney after a brief stint with the Force, Donnell will have his work cut out in 2025 amongst a stacked program of quality talent.
He will need to prove his worth under Dan McKellar and a rejuvenated Waratahs program to see minutes for the Tahs in 2025. It is not helped that there are established players – and a certain RA big-ticket item sitting in front of him. Speaking of which…
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii
He’s still only 21, remember?!
Honourable mention: Malakye Enasio
Check back tomorrow for the final article in this series, the back three!
