The NSW Waratahs are ready and relishing the prospect of coming up against domestic rivals who have at least two more reasons to bring down one of the old pillars of Australian rugby.

The Waratahs were the sleeping giant and perennial underachiever of Australian rugby before winning their maiden Super Rugby title last year.

If that didn’t put a big enough target on their backs for teams from all three countries, then the appointment of Waratahs coach Michael Cheika as Wallabies mentor late last year, has given Australian-based players on opposing sides another reason to impress when they play NSW.

“I don’t think they need much extra motivation,” Waratahs and Wallabies prop Paddy Ryan told AAP.

“I certainly know the Brumbies and Reds and Force and Rebels, they all get up to play us, they don’t like us.

“If you go looking for extra motivation, you are probably wasting your time, they are already pretty motivated by the time they get to us.

“The fact that we won it last year will add to that.

“There’s lots of reasons teams like to beat us and lots of reasons teams like to perform well against us and that (Cheika being the Wallabies coach)is just another one on a long list.

“Teams are going to be coming for us more than they were last year.

“It’s an exciting prospect and we’ve trained hard and looking forward to it.”

Ryan, a three-cap Wallaby, will also be looking to catch Cheika’s eye to enhance both his Waratahs and international selection prospects.

While he got a few starts with NSW last year, Ryan is vying for time with veteran Wallabies Benn Robinson and Sekope Kepu.

“I know this year if I’m playing good footy for the Waratahs, there’s probably a good chance the Wallabies coach will be watching,” Ryan quipped.

“I think that’s going to be the focus.

“I’m really excited by the prospect of trying to work my way back into the Waratahs starting team and hopefully higher honours will come after that.”