- Ex-Roosters star stunned footy with switch last yearÂ
- Wallabies teammates have Â
The Wallabies are going to give NRL convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii a baptism of fire by selecting him in the starting side for this weekend’s Test match against England, it has been reported.
Suaalii has only been training with the side since October 14 after playing through to September with the Sydney Roosters, but he will now face intense scrutiny after being picked at outside centre for the match at Twickenham, according to News Corp.
The 21-year-old hasn’t played a game of rugby union since running out for the Australian Schoolboys side in 2019, but his new Wallabies teammates have no doubt he’ll rise to the occasion after dropping the news about his bombshell code switch in 2023.
‘You’ve seen him play Origin, you’ve seen him play in the top level of rugby league, and even though it’s a different game, the translation of how he competes is there. Physically, he’s there. He’s ready,’ declares the 21-year’s potential centre partner and mentor Samu Kerevi.
‘He’s looking good,’ chips in assistant coach Geoff Parling.
‘Been really impressed with him. An incredible athlete, and a bit different in that you get some guys who are fresh into this sort of environment, and are not used to the big occasion – well, he is.
‘And in terms of his application, his prep, I couldn’t be more impressed with how he’s applied himself so far.’
That mantra is repeated by Wallaby after Wallaby at their training camp on the banks of the Thames. What’s impressed every one of them is not only the talent, it’s the assiduous way 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) is being thrust into the starting line-up against England
The 21-year-old (pictured training with the Wallabies in England this week) will be named in the starting side at outside centre
Parling was in the England team when another rugby league luminary, Sam Burgess, switched codes to play union for his country amid similar hoopla, but he reckons Suaalii is better positioned to make an instant impact.
‘I do feel it’s slightly different to Sam, because Joseph played Union at school. So he has a decent union background, and he’s younger than Sam was when making the switch,’ says Parling.
‘I honestly couldn’t be more impressed with him the way he’s been so far. Certainly, as a professional, as a human, he’s been really good. He’s just slotted in seamlessly.’
Kerevi has been struck by the former Roosters star’s sheer professionalism – and also by his similarity to another league convert who went on to shine for the Wallabies, Israel Folau.
‘Even as a 21 year old, he reminds you, in bits and pieces, of Izzy,’ noted Kerevi.
‘From when I played with Izzy in Japan, I’ve spoken to Izzy about him a lot, and they’re close as well.
‘I know he’s keen to get his hands on a Test jersey and he backs himself, which is 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 lights. He’s been hitting me with questions all week … I’m excited for him.’
And the sport is just as excited to see him.
