LIVEWIRE NSW Waratahs halfback Michael McDonald knows the impact meeting an idol can make.
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The 19-year-old was born in Louth, a small Irish county north of Dublin, and grew up supporting Leinster.
One of his idols was former NSW Waratahs and Wallabies halfback Chris Whitaker, who helped steer Leinster to a Heineken Cup in 2009 during a three year stint at the Irish powerhouse.
Fast forward 10 years and McDonald is now working with and learning every day from Whitaker, who is now the Tahs' assistant coach.
"I grew up supporting Leinster and watching Chris Whitaker," said McDonald, who moved to Perth with his family when he was 13 and is in his first season with NSW. "Now being at the Waratahs and seeing what he is doing for the game in NSW is pretty special. He has a wealth of knowledge and not too many people get an opportunity to work with somebody like that. I've tried to learn as much as I can."
McDonald and fellow Tahs James Ramm and Chris Talakai conducted a junior coaching clinic in Newcastle on Tuesday ahead of the Waratahs' Super Rugby clash against the Auckland Blues at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, February 8.
"Being from the countryside in Ireland, it is really cool to get into different towns, spreading the word on rugby," McDonald said.
McDonald was one of the stars for the Australian side which finished second at the under-20 World Cup last year and is one of three No.9s at the Tahs alongside Jake Gordon and Mitch Short.
"In every aspect of the game, it is a step up," McDonald said. "It's everyone's aim in the squad to get game time. Myself and the other halves, Jake Gordon and Mitch Short, have been pushing each other hard to get the best outcome for the team."
The Waratahs, who boast Novocastrians Harry Johnson Holmes and Andrew Tuala, open their Super Rugby season against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.