Cheika returns to Waratahs 12 years on and reveals the questions that made his decision easy

Michael Cheika fronted the media in Sydney on Wednesday as the newly installed NSW Waratahs head coach, returning to the club he led to its first Super Rugby title in 2014 — a night sealed by Bernard Foley’s late drop goal against the Crusaders at Allianz Stadium.

Cheika was announced as coach on 18 August, but his arrival was delayed by commitments elsewhere. He helped guide the Sydney Roosters to NRL premiership glory before taking charge of Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup, where his side claimed a dramatic golden-point victory over France last weekend.

Speaking at his first press conference in the role, Cheika described how his thought process shifted almost immediately after the offer was made. “Immediately, I didn’t think, ‘Oh should I do this? Should I not do it?’ Immediately I started thinking, what would I do?” he told reporters. “What would I need to do? And then could I do it? Because there’s no point coming back to do the job, you’ve got to come to the team, to take them where you want to take them. Once I started asking myself those questions, the decisions became relatively easy.”

Cheika was flanked at the announcement by his two new assistant coaches, Stephen Hoiles and Wycliff Palu — both members of that 2014 title-winning squad. Hoiles joins after a stint in Major League Rugby, where he recently led California Legion to the championship game, while Palu has returned to Australia following a spell in Japan.

The playing roster Cheika inherits carries its own echoes of that era. Foley and Nick Phipps, both key figures in the 2014 championship, have re-signed with the club. Angus Crichton is switching codes after winning three NRL premierships, while Wallabies regulars Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and loosehead prop Angus Bell — back from a season with Ulster in the URC — add international pedigree.

Cheika was clear about the culture he intends to build. “I’m big on character and the importance of character inside of the team,” he said. “That builds a good environment to be here. That then naturally shows itself on the field. People who understand what it takes, cause it’s not easy, and then have also got the character to help bring that out — I definitely see that in these players.”

The appointment reunites a significant portion of the 2014 group in new roles, with Cheika now tasked with restoring the Waratahs to the top of Super Rugby more than a decade after their only title.