Simon Kasprowicz's decision to leave Queensland and try his luck in Sydney has paid off with a Waratahs contract for 2002.
The Eastwood backrower joins Sydney University fullback Ed Carter and Eastern Suburbs hooker Huia Edmonds as the latest Waratahs signing and all three will be part of the Waratahs squad for the game against Queensland at Ballymore on October 6.
Waratahs coach Bob Dwyer has moved quickly to bolster the Waratahs ranks after the loss overseas of experienced players such as halfback Sam Payne, five-eighth Christian Warner and flanker Stu Pinkerton.
"I have had my eye on these three guys for some time, not only in the Citibank MasterCard Cup, but also in their representatives matches for the Australian Sevens, Under 21s and Under 19s," Dwyer said.
"Ed, Huia and Simon have been consistent performers and I'm confident they will make their presence felt at the state level.
"If they can reproduce the form for the Waratahs that they have been displaying for their clubs they are likely to become regular Super 12 players very quickly. Apart from the natural rugby skills they obviously possess, these guys also have the positive attitude and work ethic required to play for NSW."
Kasprowicz is the brother of Queensland and former Test speedster Michael.
"Simon has been playing great rugby for Eastwood this year," Dwyer said. "His commitment at the breakdown, his ability with the ball in the air, both at lineouts and kickoffs, and his ability to play anywhere in the backrow have singled him out."
Carter was a regular Australian Sevens representative in recent years and was selected on the bench for the Waratahs clash against the Lions.
"Ed is one of the strongest ball-running fullbacks around. He is an attacking player who runs great lines," Dwyer said. "His size, speed and aggression make him a great weapon in both attack and defence."
Dwyer said 20-year-old Edmonds was one of the new breed of all-round hookers with great mobility and ball skills.
Other new faces in the Waratah camp include: former Wallaby prop Patricio Noriega who has returned from his stint in France; former Brumbies flanker Des Tuiavii; flanker/centre Lei Tomiki who has been signed directly from the Scots College 1st XV and the Australian Schoolboys; and Australian Uunder 21s powerhouse Jone Tawake.