Wallabies ‘make a huge move’ with multi-million-dollar NRL defector Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – here’s why his new teammates think he’s ready
- Ex-Roosters shone last year with a switch to footy
- Wallabies teammates do
The Wallabies are set to give NRL convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii a baptism of fire by selecting him in the starting line-up this weekend. Test match against Englandit has been reported.
Suaalii has only been training with the squad since October 14, having played with the Sydney Roosters until September, but he will now face intense criticism after being picked outside center for the Twickenham match, according to News Corp.
The 21-year-old has not played a rugby match since turning out for the Australian Schoolboys in 2019, but his new Wallabies teammates have no doubt he will take advantage of the opportunity after dropping news of his stunning code-switching. in 2023.
“You’ve seen him play Origin, you’ve seen him play at the highest level of rugby league and even though it’s a different game, the translation of how he competes is there. Physically he is there. He is ready,” said Samu Kerevi, the 21-year-old’s potential center partner and mentor.
“He looks good,” said assistant coach Geoff Parling.
‘I’m really impressed with him. An incredible athlete, and a little bit different because you have some guys who are new to this kind of environment, and not used to the big occasion – well, he is.
“And in terms of his application, his preparation, I couldn’t be more impressed with how he has committed himself so far.”
That mantra is repeated by Wallaby after Wallaby at their training camp on the banks of the Thames. What has everyone impressed is not just the talent, but also the diligent way in which Suaalii is relearning the game he graced as a teenager.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (pictured at the Sydney Opera House after joining the Wallabies last month) has been named in the starting line-up against England
The 21-year-old (pictured training with the Wallabies in England this week) has been named in the starting squad at outside center
Parling was part of the England squad when another rugby league standout Sam Burgess switched codes to play Union for his country amid similar hoopla, but he believes Suaalii is better positioned to make an immediate impact.
“I feel like it’s a bit different from Sam because Joseph played Union at school. So he has quite a trade union background and is younger than Sam when he switched,” says Parling.
“I honestly couldn’t be more impressed with him as he has been so far. Certainly, as a professional and as a person he has been very good. He just fits in seamlessly.”
Kerevi has been struck by the former Roosters star’s sheer professionalism – and also by his resemblance to another league convert who went on to excel with the Wallabies, Israel Folau.
“Even as a 21-year-old, he reminds you of Izzy in bits and pieces,” Kerevi noted.
“Ever since I played with Izzy in Japan, I’ve talked to Izzy a lot about him, and they’re close too.
“I know he wants to get a Test jersey and he backs himself and that’s what you want.
“His attention to detail is really good because he wants to learn the game more, know his role really well and execute it, especially under test lighting. He’s been bombarding me with questions all week… I’m excited for him.”
And the sport is just as excited to see him.