HARRY Johnson-Holmes was happy to act as a tour guide when the NSW Waratahs played the Sunwolves in a historic first Super Rugby game at McDonald Jones Stadium in March.
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Second time round, Johnson Holmes wants to give local juniors a reason to wear the Waratahs jersey around with pride.
The best way to inspire the next generation is win over the Blues at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 8.
Johnson-Holmes joined fellow squad member and Novocastrian Andrew Tuala, General Manager of NSW Rugby Tim Rapp, Newcastle councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, and Venues NSW CEO Paul Doorn at McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday for the launch of the Tahs' second visit to Newcastle.
Officials believe the ingredients - a family friendly time slot on a Saturday before the NRL season has started - are there to attract more than 15,000 fans for the Tahs' opening home game of 2020.
"Newcastle and the Hunter region is the perfect fit for a Super Rugby fixture," Rapp said. "We have a wonderful rugby community here and this is a perfect opportunity to support the people who support us, by taking the game to them.
"Last year was a step forward in taking the game to Newcastle. This year we are not competing with the Newcastle Knights. There will be people getting out of their cossies and driving to the ground."
The Tahs' first match, which attracted 12,621 fans, ended in an underwhelming 31-29 loss to the Sunwolves.
"It was hard having the loss but everyone enjoyed their time here," Johnson-Holmes said. "Coming back a second year only strengthens the feeling of it being a home game. Newcastle is a great spot to open up the home account. There are a lot of people and a lot of groups in the rugby realm that I want to pay back, not only with a terrific win here, but by having a successful season and get that premiership. That's where the tribalism can shift, maybe not from kids walking around in Wanderers, Merewether or Lake Macquarie Roos jerseys, but as a collective they go for the Waratahs."
Newcastle City Council and Venues NSW successfully negotiated to host the game in Newcastle.
"This is further indication of the confidence that major sporting codes and clubs are showing in Newcastle as a location of choice to stage domestic and international fixtures," Cr Winney-Baartz said. "We look forward to working with Venues NSW and McDonald Jones Stadium to make this match one of the standout features of the City's 2020 sporting calendar."
Tuala was on the bench but didn't get on against the Sunwolves. He made his Super Rugby debut against the Stormers.
Although not contracted, he is training with the Waratahs and returns from a knee injury for NSW Country against Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship on Saturday.
"I was on the bench against the Sunwolves but didn't get a chance to run on the field," said Tuala, who along with Johnson-Holmes played in Newcastle for Wanderers. " Hopefully I get the chance next time.
"I got a taste last year and loved every minute of it. I want more this year and a contract for 2020."
Johnson-Holmes, 22, has experienced a whirlwind two years, recently returned from the Wallaby World Cup training camp in New Caledonia where he was a shadow player.
"It was great to have that intimate scope into the preparation for a big tournament," Johnson Holmes said. "It's cool to see how they operate day in and day out. It was incredible to get that opportunity late in the year. It has been a great year for me in terms of opportunities."
