Rookie to stay cool in Super Rugby debut for Waratahs

Yahoo

07-03-2025

Late-blooming Lawson Creighton is subscribing to the KISS method - keep it simple, stupid - after being handed the keys to the NSW Waratahs backline.
Creighton will make his Waratahs debut in the No.10 jumper in Saturday night's Super Rugby Pacific derby with the Western Force after ousting Tane Edmed from the playmaker role.
Eager to retain the role for next week's round-five clash with his former Queensland Reds teammates in Brisbane, the 26-year-old knows staying cool will be vital under the bright lights of Allianz Stadium.
"Just keeping it simple, trusting myself and doing my job," Creighton said of his game plan.
"I know if there's 14 other blokes on the field doing their job as well, we'll be in for a good game and a good performance."
Knowing he had the chance to run a near-all-Wallabies backline was a major motivator in Creighton's decision to defect from the Reds at the end of last year to venture south to Sydney.
"The forward pack's going to go forward and we've got some stars out back, so all I've really got to do is not overplay my hand and just get them the ball," he said.
"So that'll be my role for the weekend. Control the game, control the tempo and do my job."
An ex-Australian U20s teammate of now-Wallabies stars including Test captain Harry Wilson and fellow Reds Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott, Creighton jumped at the opportunity to join the Waratahs after making 34 appearances for Queensland mostly off the bench.
"I just felt the excitement of what was coming," he said after Friday's captain's run.
"The Melbourne Rebels folding, you could see what was starting to happen and boys coming here.
"That just excited me, and I felt like the Waratahs were coming to me and really valuing me.
"So I think that was what the tipping point to come down here.
"Obviously I've got very fond memories of Queensland and a lot of good mates there, but the thought of going back to Suncorp (next week) would be very exciting.
"I definitely would want to play if I get the opportunity of going up against your mates."
Creighton will also assume goalkicking duties on Saturday as the Waratahs chase a third straight win to open a season since 2009.
But with two wins and a last-gasp loss to the Reds from their opening three games, the Force are also living up to their name.
"They're very good," said Tahs coach Dan McKellar.
"No, they're really good. They've recruited well and had two good wins and probably should be three from three, to be honest.
"Quality players across the park, so they're going to be a significant challenge."