After several false starts, Hadley Tonga – the fastest man in Australian rugby – is set to for lift-off after being named in Liam Barry’s squad as one of several changes for the Perth Sevens next week.
The 19-year-old came close to debuting in the past two editions on the Australian leg of the World Series, but leg injuries ruled him out of pressing for the Paris Olympics.
Capable of running 10.4 metres per second, the pocket rocket, who grew up idolising Jonah Lomu but quickly started copying Springboks wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, will bring a new dimension to the Australian sevens side.
“Cheslin Kolbe is a short player just like me, he’s strong, fit, he’s quick. They’re similar traits to what I have,” Tonga told The Roar last year.
The 19-year-old is the latest young gun to come out of the Kings School, having grown up and watched Parramatta Eels star Will Penisini dual-international Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at school.
“I actually looked up to two people during my time at school and that was Will Penisini, mainly because how he leads people and how he is mentally fit, and Joseph Suaalii because of his skills and he’s a similar position to me,” said Tonga, who clocked a 10.84 over 100m in the wet in year 11.
Hadley Tonga is set for his long-awaited debut for Australia in the Perth Sevens. Photo: Nooroa Takairangi, Rugby Australia
Former coach John Manenti was desperate to see Tonga get on the field, but only ever got to witness his breathtaking speed on the training paddock.
“Speed is so important in our game – and he’s got buckets of it,” Manenti told The Roar last year.
His inclusion is one of three changes made by Barry following the Cape Town event, where a new-look Australian side struggled, with veteran Maurice Longbottom returning from injury in a further boost for the side.
Longbottom, who had a quieter Olympics campaign than expected, has not played since the Paris Games but his return comes just at the right time with Australia just hovering above the relegation zone in eighth place after two rounds.
Olympic reserve Josh Turner also returns, having signed a contract to return to the squad following the departure of former captain Nathan Lawson to the Dragons in the NRL.
In a setback though, newly announced Australian co-captain Henry Paterson has been ruled out after he picked up an ankle injury in Cape Town while Henry Palmer and James McGregor make way.
“The team have prepared well and can’t wait to play their home tournament in front of family and fans in Perth,” Barry said.
“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.”
Liam Barry addresses his new-look Australian men’s sevens team. Photo: Nooroa Takairangi, Rugby Australia
Home fans will get the chance to lay eyes on Sid Harvey for the first time, with the gifted playmaker making his debut in Dubai.
He’s not the only one either, with rising forward Aden Ekanayake also included in the squad after debuting in recent months.
After struggling in Cape Town following their first up gong in the desert, Tim Walsh’s women’s side will be keen to bounce back and go one better than last year in Perth after being upstaged by Ireland.
Walsh has named a settled side with Demi Hayes the only change to the side.
Demi Hayes is back for Australia after missing the Cape Town Sevens leg of the World Series leg of the tour. (Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images)
The former captain returns in place of Sariah Paki (calf).
“Perth put on a show last year and we want to join the Aussie summer party and really express ourselves out on the field,” Walsh said.
“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 will have their work cut out for them after being pooled alongside Argentina, South Africa and USA in Pool A, 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:
- Henry Hutchison (c)
- Ben Dowling
- Matt Gonzalez
- Ben Dalton
- Maurice Longbottom
- Jayden Blake
- James Turner
- Sid Harvey
- Aden Ekanayake
- Hayden Sargeant
- Josh Turner
- Hadley Tonga*
- Michael Icely
Australia Women’s team for HSBC SVNS Perth 2024/2025:
- Piper Simons
- Faith Nathan
- Mackenzie Davis
- Teagan Levi
- Charlotte Caslick
- Tia Hinds
- Isabella Nasser (c)
- Demi Hayes
- Maddison Levi
- Heidi Dennis
- Kahli Henwood
- Ruby Nicholas
- Kiiahla Duff
POOL A – AUSTRALIA MEN
Friday, January 24: Australia v Argentina (2:01pm AWST; 5:01pm AEDT)
Friday, January 24: Australia v South Africa (7:52pm AWST; 10:52pm AEDT)
Saturday, January 25: Australia v USA (1:28pm AWST; 4:28pm AEDT)
POOL C – AUSTRALIA WOMEN
Friday, January 24: Australia v China (2:45pm AWST; 5:45pm AEDT)
Friday, January 24: Australia v Spain (8:36pm AWST; 11:36pm AEDT)
Saturday, January 25: Australia v France (4:09pm AWST; 7:09pm AEDT)
