Grace Hamilton to lead three-times undefeated Super W champions NSW Waratahs in 2021

The Panuara native has retained her role as skipper of the Waratahs, who will commence their Super W season on June 19 against the Queensland Reds.

With 10 new faces in the NSW squad, the leadership of star number 8 Hamilton will be crucial as the Waratahs look to build on their impressive record in the Super W.

While they've certainly been tested - especially by the Reds - the Waratahs have never lost a game.

"It will be a tough opening game against the Reds, who are a quality opposition," Hamilton, the two-time Waratahs Super W player of the year, said.

"We have a lot of respect for them and I am sure they will be just as excited as us."

That season opener will be played in Brisbane before the Waratahs host both the Western Force and ACT Brumbies at Coffs Harbour in the remaining rounds.

Hamilton is hoping all games go ahead after last year's competition was cut short due to COVID-19.

"We are just excited to play again for the Waratahs and be back in competitive rugby, as I am sure all the girls in the Super W would be," Hamilton said.

"It was unfinished last year, but we are a very tight-knit group and have worked really hard so I am excited for all of our new, young talent to be on show at the national level."

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Hamilton, who took on the Waratahs captaincy for the first time last season, is one of eight Wallaroos in the Waratahs squad of 27.

Last season she beat 20 defenders in her 49 carries, got away six off-loads and secured five turn-overs. Hamilton also crossed twice against the Brumbies.

Campbell Aitken, the Waratahs head coach, is looking forward to seeing Hamilton and her team-mates showcasing their talents on the big stage after an extensive selection process.

"There is a lot of young talent in New South Wales so it is an exciting time for us," Aitken said.

"Cutting the squad down from 45 to 32 and now more recently to 27 has been difficult due to the quality of players to choose from.

"It is a hard squad to make with a number of Wallaroos in it, so a lot of the players have been rewarded for their efforts over the past 12 months."

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