- Converted to rugby after a successful NRL stint with Sydney Roosters
- Was thrown in at the deep end and was named man-of-the-match in a shock win
- Now facing a major problem ahead of the second match against Wales
Former NRL star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii faces a stunning demotion despite his exciting Wallabies debut against England.
The former Sydney Roosters star was given a starting role despite having just completed the NRL season and not playing rugby union for five years.
The 21-year-old responded with an exceptional performance to help Australia to a 42-37 win after the Wallabies lost five of their last six tests and exited the 2023 Rugby World Cup at the group stages.
However, coach Joe Schmidt plans to dump the rugby league convert to the bench for the Wallabies’ next match against Wales, instead recalling Samu Kerevi to the starting centres.
Queensland Reds star Hunter Paisami remains unavailable due to injury, adding further intrigue to the long-term starting combination for the Wallabies.
Wallabies legend Tim Horan said Paisami’s absence had accelerated Suaalii’s international rugby career and said the NRL star could form a long-term partnership with Len Ikitau.
The Wallabies stunned England at home to Twickenham as Joseph Suaalii earned man-of-the-match honors on his debut
In a stunning revelation, Suaalii could be demoted to the bench for the Wallabies’ next match against Wales
“It would have been interesting to see what Joe Schmidt would have done if Hunter Paisami was fit for this Test match,” Horan said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.
‘Would he have started with Suaalii on the bench? But I’ll tell you what, a great combination they built and only the discharges they both managed to dodge and backed themselves.
‘So it could be, yes it’s only one test match for the combination but it could be a long term opportunity for this Wallabies pairing and sometimes they can trade too because whether they have 12 or 13 on their back having doesn’t matter’ It doesn’t really matter. I don’t think so with these two.’
‘I can’t wait for the next few Test matches to see him in space with ball in hand… he’s got his feet on the ground, he understands he needs to improve in a lot of different areas, but we have not done. see a lot of him with ball in hand in open space.
“So I can’t wait to see that.”
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While Schmidt may not be ready to strengthen Suaalii as his starting centre, opposition coach Warren Gatland knows backs the NRL convert.
The Wales coach revealed on Thursday what a fan he is of the Wallabies’ exciting new outside centre, even if Suaalii could end up being the player to help push him out of a job in Cardiff on Sunday.
“I think the impressive thing about him was his off-loading play – just being able to get the ball away,” said Gatland, whose job is under increasing pressure as Wales face a potential record-breaking 11th Test defeat in a row.
Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Tim Horan wants to see Suaalii form a long-term combination in the centres
“From an attacking perspective he didn’t get many chances with the ball in hand, but just by getting the ball over the top he was able to take a shot and not die with the ball.
“I thought he was a good fit for someone to play their first professional match at international level at Twickenham.
“I think the game needs people like that. The game needs superstars. That he is also named man-of-the-match and creates that hype.
“We all know and are acutely aware that rugby in Australia needs a boost. And hopefully for him that’s the kind of momentum he can give.”