Bold take: a moment that could have derailed a season is now a stepping stone toward growth, unity, and a sharper edge on the field.
Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero opens up about the infamous pre-season training fight with Angus Scott-Young, insisting there’s no lingering bad blood and that he’s focused on balancing aggression with composure. He also explains how he’s reframing the incident to fuel his improvement rather than define him.
Amatosero’s silence after the summer fracas has given way to reflection. The altercation, which occurred during a January pre-season session and led to a two-week suspension that kept him from two trials and away from NSW Rugby headquarters, resulted in Scott-Young sustaining a fractured eye socket. New footage later showed Amatosero throwing five punches in two separate clashes. After RA and the Waratahs concluded their investigation, the 23-year-old returned to captain the line in a 36-12 victory over Queensland. Speaking after the win, Amatosero said he regretted the incident and has since repaired his relationship with Scott-Young, noting they met for the first time the prior week.
"We sorted that out. It’s done and dusted now. There’s nothing lingering between Angus and me," he stated.
He acknowledged it’s been a challenging period for everyone involved but emphasized that the incident shouldn’t have happened.
"We should have kept level-headed, but our trainings are designed to push us to that level, especially on a Friday. I’ve just got to be better at reaching that level without crossing it."
Since returning to Sydney in 2023 after a three-year academy stint with Clermont in France, Amatosero has embraced the role of enforcer for New South Wales. He’s clear that last month’s controversy won’t dilute that aspect of his game.
"Training and games are separate, but my objective remains: play with that edge, that physicality, and that controlled aggression—without going over the line. That’s a strength I’m continually building, game by game."
Opponents have tried to bait the hot-headed forward, a challenge Amatosero anticipates will persist in the wake of the Scott-Young incident.
"To be honest, that’s always been my style. I’ve been the physical player teams look for, regardless of what’s happened. Nothing’s really changed. It’s been like this since I started playing, and I’m getting better at handling it."
The suspension era also included mandatory education and counseling, which Amatosero says helped him grow personally. During offsite rehabilitation, he trained alone at Snape Park in Maroubra at 6 a.m., with a Waratahs physio assisting him with a tackle shield, and he supplemented with sessions at a Bondi Junction gym.
"Being offsite was tough. My biggest wish is for the team and my teammates, and being separated from them was painful to witness. But the guys moved on quickly. There were many people supporting me, especially Barrie-Jon Mather and Dan McKellar, who guided me through the weeks ahead and helped ease my mind about how I’d fit back into playing."
Amatosero is eyeing a Wallabies debut this year, with the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year as the long-term dream. In the short term, his focus remains consistent performances for the Waratahs.
While some Tahs officials might flinch at his candid language given recent events, Amatosero believes the squad’s depth and healthy competition can drive a positive turnaround in 2026.
"Training is incredibly competitive because every player is fighting for that jersey; any of us could be named on the weekend. When you’re exhausted or worn out, you still fight for the teammate beside you, and that grit is starting to show."
As a Sydney-born player, he senses the community’s frustration and notes that supporters are rallying behind the team’s renewed drive. He’s upbeat about the season’s potential and the path ahead.
Would you agree that accountability paired with transparent communication can transform a setback into a team-wide opportunity, or do you think incidents like this inevitably leave lasting divisions? Share your thoughts in the comments.
