Cheika’s early impact at Waratahs as defence coach makes job pitch
Michael Cheika is already having an impact at the NSW Waratahs.
The man Tim Horan declared as a “top three coach in the world” will not officially start work at Daceyville until he wraps up his commitments as Trent Robinson’s right-hand man at the Sydney Roosters.
Trent Robinson and Michael Cheika during a joint training session in 2014 in Sydney. Getty
Apart from providing some press release quotes upon his appointment in August, the ex-Wallabies boss has understandably kept a low public profile while channelling his focus towards the upcoming NRL finals campaign.
Stephen Hoiles, a member of Cheika’s title-winning 2014 Waratahs, is expected to soon sign on as a senior assistant coach with a view to taking the top job in seasons to come.
And incumbent defence coach Lachlan McCaffrey - who will lead NSW’s Super Rugby AUS campaign - would love to be a part of the ride.
“I’ve caught up with Michael a few times, and had some questions around if he wanted to implement anything around the attack philosophy or defence philosophy for Super AUS,” McCaffrey told reporters.
“But his comms (communication) have been just ‘head coach it your way mate,’ and we’ll drip feed a little bit of detail in here or there, look at what they’re doing physically throughout the week.
“But he’s been pretty open with me just to keep driving it until they enter the building really.”
The Waratahs parted ways with coach Dan McKellar after he failed to qualify for the Super Rugby finals in his two seasons at the helm.
McCaffrey was hopeful that Cheika would want to keep him around,
“I’ve had some really positive chats with Cheik,” the ex-loose forward said.
“Obviously with changes there’ll be people coming in, but I love the Waratahs, I love coaching at the Waratahs.
“I think it would be, for a younger coach like myself, a really awesome experience working with someone like Cheik and learning off someone like Cheik with what he’s done around the world over the last 20-30 years as a head coach.
Michael Cheika on Inside Line. Stan
“So, that’s my outlook, mate. I just turn up every day and try and become a better coach and contribute to this place being a better organisation and rugby programme. And at the moment, yeah, it’ll be an exciting year in 2027, learning under someone like that.”
Dan Palmer, Jack Debreczeni and injured Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon are McCaffrey’s assistant coaches.
The Waratahs begin their title defence in Bungendore on September 13 against the ACT Brumbies.
“There’s a lot happening at the moment in the building with changes, both on grass, off grass,” McCaffrey said.
“I’m just keeping it pretty narrow-minded and narrow focused around just trying to get opportunity with footy and creating an enjoyable environment at the moment until guys have a little bit of time off in October and come back to start prepping for 2027, under Michael’s regime.”
Meanwhile, the Brumbies announced on Thursday that record-breaking Wallabies prop James Slipper would return to the club for the 2027 season.
It keeps the 36-year-old firmly in the frame for a fifth Rugby World Cup appearance on home soil next year.
“Slips is still playing outstanding rugby. He was one of our most consistent performers throughout 2026, and he’s shown he can continue to make a big impact for this team,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
“What he brings away from game day is just as important. He’s an exceptional leader, he drives standards every day and the knowledge he passes on to our younger players is invaluable.”
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