David Porecki will never forget his long-awaited Wallabies debut after a stellar win over England.
After years of toil and a career hampered by injuries, the 29-year-old hooker finally got a start with the national side.
Porecki’s first game was no easy assignment, facing a formidable England side riding an eight-game winning streak.
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And so naturally, the 30-28 win at Perth’s Optus Stadium was one to savour.
“I got out here early and the crowd hadn’t filled out by then, but as soon as I came out for the anthem, just a packed crowd was pretty overwhelming,” an emotional Porecki told Stan Sport, standing next to proud father Dorian.
“Doing your anthem was just awesome. It was just a moment I’ll never forget.”
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After one game for the Waratahs in 2015, Porecki plied his trade in the United Kingdom, first for Saracens and then London Irish.
Drawn by the allure of the Wallabies, he returned home to again play for the Waratahs in 2020, but couldn’t shake his streak of injuries.
“Obviously in the UK, I had some injury troubles over there,” Porecki said.
“Every time I got injured I saw it as a bit of a mission to get back better.
“I got called to just come give this a crack in Australia and then from the outset had an injury. Then obviously last year I got so close to this feeling and this moment, and again just did my calf.
“What I was doing wasn’t wrong, I just had to stay the course. As dad said, just do what I’m doing, and eventually I’ll get there.
“Tonight, I probably couldn’t think of a better debut for me against England here with a packed crowd with my family here, my wife watching at home, who I’ll see next week, and bubba.”
It was a special moment as dad joined him on the pitch for post-match celebrations.
“He went over to the UK to improve his skills and we watch every game from two, three o’clock in the morning while he was over in the UK,” said Porecki Sr.
“He’s just persistent and he’s just determined. And through all the trials and tribulations that he’s had, and all the injuries, he’s just kept doing what he’s doing.
“He’s just determined, steely. We’re all really so impressed with him and he’s getting the rewards now.”
Porecki said he’d been buoyed by the support of his family and friends in the lead-up to the series.
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“I’ve had a lot of messages this week and I appreciate it,” said Porecki.
“Anyone that’s been part of my journey knows how hard I’ve worked to get here.
“Without my family, without my close people that have guided me through my career, I definitely wouldn’t have this moment.
“I appreciate all of you that have given me the time of day, and I’ll never forget that, even from the outset of my career.
“Thank you for essentially giving me this moment.”
The second Test is at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on July 9.
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