Rugby league fan Eddie Jones will use an NRL-style tactic at the World Cup – as telling clue emerges that star won’t play opener against Georgia

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones is poised to implement NRL-style tactics in Australia’s World Cup opener against Georgia.

Wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and former Melbourne Storm star Suliasi Vunivalu are both excellent in the air, and NRL star and assistant coach Jason Ryles admitted it will likely be a matchday tactic against the Lelos.

“That’s definitely one of their strengths and that’s one of the things you would have seen in the game against France… that Suli and Mark had chances in the air, one-on-one in those contestable games,” he said.

“That’s something we’re moving towards and building on.”

“Again, it’s a strength of ours and it’s something that, when the time is right, we want to give them a chance to show what they can do.”

Wallabies fans can expect plenty of high balls aimed at wingers Suliasi Vunivalu (pictured) and Mark Nawaqanitawase

Vunivalu was known for his aerial prowess when he was on the books of the Melbourne Storm – where he won two NRL premierships – while Nawaqanitase played junior rugby league before turning his attention to rugby as a teenager.

Jones has made no secret of his high regard for the level of play and athletes in the NRL.

The former England boss has been open about his desire to take stars out of the rival code and has enlisted former league star Brad Davis as part of his coaching staff, alongside the hiring of Ryles.

With Jones set to select his team for Thursday’s World Cup opener, there was a big indication that Samu Kerevi is unlikely to be in the roster due to a hand injury.

Suliasi Vunivalu (pictured left) was always a threat from the air when he played for Melbourne Storm in the NRL

The star center sat in the dugout and watched the Wallabies train without him at their base in Saint Etienne.

Lalakai Foketi threatens as his likely replacement, with other options being Jordan Petaia and youngster Max Jorgensen, who has recovered from a knee injury.

Petaia has no doubt that the teenage flier – who was impressive for the NSW Waratahs this season before being sidelined – would hold his own given the chance.

“I hope he debuts,” Petaia said. “Max is elusive, he learns quickly and is a good player.”

After facing Georgia at 2am (AEST) on Sunday, September 10, the Wallabies will face Fiji (September 18), Wales (September 25) and Portugal (October 2) in their group matches.

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