Rising sevens star Jack Maddocks swaps Rebels for Waratahs

The NSW Waratahs have received a big boost ahead of the Super Rugby season, securing Wallabies utility Jack Maddocks in a transfer from the Melbourne Rebels.

The youngster, who played six Tests under Michael Cheika, looms as a possible fullback option to replace sacked star Israel Folau.

Maddocks wanted to return to Sydney and the Rebels were hoping to get a player swap but that did not occur and it's believed there was a financial agreement.

The Waratahs face sharing 22-year-old Maddocks with the Australian Sevens program, which he has been involved with in recent months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics campaign.

"First and foremost, Jack is a wonderfully talented player," said new Waratahs coach Rob Penney.

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"When the opportunity arose to bring him back it was one I was really keen on for a number of reasons.

"Jack can play right across the backline, he's got speed, skill and creativity with the ball in hand.

"Bringing him back gives us a range of options in the way we'd like to set up.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him on the training pitch over the next few weeks as he starts to embed himself into the combinations we've established over pre-season."

Maddocks was grateful for the move back to his home state.

"New South Wales is home for me, my family are here, it's where I started playing rugby and it's where I want to continue my career – being involved with both the Waratahs and Eastern Suburbs," he said.

"From all reports, it's a great environment that Rob (Penney) and the staff have created over the pre-season and one I'm excited to be a part of.

"I'd like to thank everyone at the Waratahs and the Rebels for making this move possible."

- AAP

New coach Rob Penney believes he has the players on board to guide the Waratahs to a second Super Rugby title: