New Waratahs coach Rob Penney has notched his first win of the 2020 Super Rugby season before a ball has been kicked in anger.

Wallabies star Jack Maddocks is set to be unveiled in NSW’s sky blue in a Sydney press conference on Thursday afternoon after the Waratahs and Rebels agreed on financial compensation for the 22-year-old’s services.

Maddocks, a Sydney product, has played for the Rebels since 2017 and is one of the country’s most exciting rugby talents.

The outside back played seven Tests for the Wallabies in 2018 but his career stalled somewhat last year and Maddocks missed selection for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

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He sought a move home for personal reasons and while the Rebels initially had hoped to reach a player swap deal with the Waratahs, no obvious fit was forthcoming.

The Rebels are already well off for outside backs with Wallabies Dane Haylett-Petty, Marika Koroibete and Reece Hodge on the books along with several emerging young talents.

Penney will be thrilled to land Maddocks, who now appeals as the club’s long-term fullback following the messy departure of superstar Israel Folau.

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Jack Maddocks of the Wallabies runs the ball during The Rugby Championship. Source: Getty Images

That will also allow Penney to kickstart the season with Kurtley Beale as his starting five-eighth as youngsters Will Harrison and Mack Mason continue to hone their craft at the professional level.

It is unclear how the Australian sevens team fits into the mix.

Maddocks was a member of the side that won last year’s Oceania title to qualify Australia for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in July-August.