NSW Waratahs hand Izaia Perese a one-year lifeline

Released on bail, Perese was granted permission to travel to France, where he took up a contract with Top 14 club Bayonne last year.

However, eager to return to Australia, Perese has been snapped up by the Waratahs for the 2021 season.

Penney confirmed whispers that Perese was already doing pre-season training with the Waratahs at their base in Daceyville.

“He’s been at training and he’s back from France,” Penney told the Herald. “He’s here for the year.

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“Like a lot of those young men, it’s difficult over in Europe at the moment and if they’re a bit vulnerable, they’re better off being back at home, aren’t they? That was part of it. He’s got unfinished business here. I think he likes the direction the Waratahs are trying to go in and he can be an important piece of the puzzle.”

Despite Perese’s indiscretion, Penney is adamant he is made of the right stuff and can flourish at NSW.

“He’s a young man who made a mistake, but he’s determined to do the right thing by his family and by the organisation,” Penney said.

“I guess everyone knows the history and through his actions he can restore his reputation and that’s what he’s going to endeavour to do. He’s a great kid. He made a mistake and got caught in a bad environment for a while.”

A few years ago, the Waratahs took a punt on Karmichael Hunt, who also had his fair share of off-field issues before donning a sky blue jersey in 2019.

Ironically, Perese is likely to fill the void left by Hunt in the NSW midfield after the dual international was not offered a contract for 2021.

“It gives us a bit more depth and X-factor across that zone,” Penney said. “We’re happy with the stocks we’ve got.”

The Waratahs will welcome back their Wallabies representatives to training next week, giving them six weeks of preparation before the Super Rugby AU season gets underway on February 19.