You could forgive Tom Hallam for never wanting to do the washing up ever again.
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While it’s a mundane household chore for most, the 18-year-old has more of a horror story.
He was helping out at home, drying off a knife when he cut through the joints of two fingers in his left hand.
The cut damaged tendons and nerves in both his ring and pinky fingers that required surgery.
Not only did he miss out captaining Mater Dei’s Hardy Shield and Henderson Shield campaigns but it’s also taking him nine rounds to force his way into Waratahs starting team.
He can’t wait to start at halfback against Tumut at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.
“It feels really good to be back up in the first grade and I’m keen to play again,” Hallam said.
“I missed out against Tumut in the first round but they like to play up the middle with some big strong boys in the forward pack.
“They will probably try and slow it down a bit and make it tough for me to get quick ball.
“It should be a really good contest.”
The teenager is no stranger to starting for Waratahs, stepping in to replace the injured last season.
Hallam even played representative football for both Southern Inland and the Brumbies Provincial team before getting his chance this season.
He believes the opportunities presented in the last fortnight have helped his game.
“It was a great experience,” Hallam said.
Waratahs coach Angus Macleod thought Hallam’s performances in the representative arena forced his way into the team.
“Rhys Greentree wasn’t going anything wrong at all,” Macleod said
“It was more the fact Tommy had proved himself at rep level and he earnt a chance to prove himself in first grade.”
Hallam coming into the team is one of a plethora of changes Waratahs have made following their before the two general byes.
The majority of their senior players are back after attending a wedding.
However there are still some more changes to the forward pack.
Sean Kearns is out while Macleod said Harry Hosegood was doing a “religious study” overseas for three weeks.
Macleod is expecting a tough clash against the Bulls.
“Tumut are always a side that can be a very tough battle,” he said. “This weekend will be no different, they will certainly have a very strong forward pack and by the same token they have some handy backs as well.
“After a couple of weeks break there is no continuity in our side and most likely in their side.”
For the record, Hallam hasn’t done any washing up since.
