The HSBC Waratahs have locked away two of Sydney's finest young backs, with Manly's Chris Siale and Eastwood's Lachlan Turner each agreeing to two year deals with the 2006 Super 14 semi-finalists.
Siale has played six state games for NSW and has been a member of the Waratahs squad since 2005, while the as-yet uncapped Turner was a standout for the Australian under 19's and NSW A this season.
"Chris and Lachlan are both quality players and each brings his own strengths to the team," HSBC Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said.
"Chris has the versatility to play wing or centre and is incredibly hard to tackle, while Lachlan is a strong young player with great potential, given the fact he's still just 19."
22 year-old Siale was named 23rd man for the Waratahs on three occasions this season and says winning his first Super 14 cap is his main goal for 2007.
"Being named 23rd man gave me a taste of Super Rugby and I'm really keen to take that next step," Siale said.
"I've learnt a lot both at the Waratahs and in club Rugby over the past two seasons and I'm looking forward to putting that knowledge into practice."
Turner's potential was quickly recognised at club side Eastwood, the youngster establishing himself in first grade after a try on debut against Sydney University in the Shute Shield.
Earlier in 2006, the former Australian Schoolboy took out the inaugural Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Award for the most outstanding player in the Waratah Academy.
Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Turner will spend the 2007 season on a rookie contract before upgrading to a full contract in 2008.
The signings bring the Waratahs closer to completing their roster for the 2007 season and also add significantly to the depth of the overall playing group.
"One of our recruitment goals for this season was to add balance to the roster and I feel we're achieving that," McKenzie said.
"Lachlan adds youth to the squad, Chris brings versatility while a guy like Sam Harris adds experience.
"It's a vital mix."
CHRIS SIALE
Position: Wing/Centre
Physical: 1.78m; 92kg
Born: 31.07.83, Auckland, New Zealand
Club: Manly
Provincial Caps: 6
Provincial Points: 10 [2t]
Provincial Debut: 2004 v Salta
Super 14 Caps: Uncapped
An electrifying ball runner, Chris Siale enters his third season with the Waratahs with a reputation for consistency in Sydney club Rugby. While yet to get a start at Super 14 level, he's worked hard to add versatility and variety to his game and has been a solid performer for NSW on tour in Argentina and Eastern Europe. An elusive runner whose silky footwork makes him incredibly hard to tackle, Chris represented Australia at the U21 World Cup in 2004. An HPU contract holder during that season, he graduated to a full contract in 2005.
LACHLAN TURNER
Position: Fullback/Wing
Physical: 1.89m, 88kg
Born: 11.05.87, Sydney
Club: Eastwood
Provincial Caps: Uncapped
Super 14 Caps: Uncapped
An Australian Schoolboy out of Sydney's Newington College in 2005, Lachlan Turner has long been recognised as a player a great potential. Equally adept at fullback or on the wing, his size and speed make him particularly difficult to handle. A try scorer for Australia in the World under 19 Championship Final in Dubai in 2006, he'll spend 2007 on a rookie contract before upgrading to a full contract the following season.