The Sydney Morning Herald logo Advertisement He only made his Test debut a little over a year ago and has just 11 caps for the Wallabies, but halfback Ryan Lonergan has already impressed great Wallabies No.9 George Gregan so much he views him as one of Australia’s most valuable players, and even likened the Canberra star to iconic South African Fourie Du Preez.
If you’re a fan of rugby, you’ve probably heard the buzz surrounding Ryan Lonergan, the Wallabies’ halfback who has quickly become the talk of the town—or, let’s be honest, the entire rugby universe. With only 11 caps to his name and just over a year of experience under his belt, Lonergan has managed to impress some pretty big names in the sport, including the legendary George Gregan and the all-time great Dan Carter. Talk about a solid stamp of approval!
Now, let’s break this down a bit. Lonergan, who has patiently waited nine years for his debut (yes, you heard that right—nine years), has finally made his mark and is starting in every Wallabies Test this year. It’s a bit like the tortoise and the hare, except in this case, the tortoise is a halfback who spent nearly a decade waiting for his chance to shine. Slow and steady wins the race, folks!
George Gregan, a guy who knows a thing or two about being a top-tier halfback, has compared Lonergan to South African great Fourie Du Preez. That’s like comparing a new sports car to a classic Ferrari—high praise, indeed! Gregan’s endorsement isn’t just a compliment; it’s a glowing recommendation that suggests Lonergan has the potential to become a household name in rugby.
Then we have Dan Carter weighing in on the situation, and when Carter talks, people listen. He pointed out Lonergan’s maturity and leadership qualities, which could be the key to solving some of the five-eighth issues that have plagued the Wallabies. It’s like he’s saying, “Hey, this kid might just have the magic touch to turn things around!” And who wouldn’t want a little magic in their game?
But let’s not forget the journey that brought Lonergan to this point. Nine years is a long time to wait for a debut. I mean, you could have learned a new language, taken up knitting, or even become a master chef in that time! Yet, here he is, finally getting his shot and making the most of it. It’s a classic case of perseverance paying off, and we’re all here for it.
Lonergan’s rise is a reminder that good things come to those who wait—though I’m sure he’d prefer a little less waiting and a lot more playing. And as he continues to impress on the field, we can only hope he keeps up the momentum. After all, rugby fans love a good underdog story, and Lonergan is shaping up to be one of the best.
So, here’s to Ryan Lonergan! May his journey be filled with more caps, more praise from legends, and fewer nine-year wait times for future players. Because let’s be honest, nobody has that kind of patience anymore. Cheers!
Inspired by: “‘He’s outstanding’: Why George Gregan has been blown away by an 11-Test Wallabies halfback” (r/Local)