- The former Roosters star shocked football with a move last year
- Wallabies teammates have
The Wallabies will reportedly give NRL convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii a baptism of fire by selecting him in the starting squad for this weekend’s test match against England.
Suaalii has only been training with the team since October 14 after playing until September with the Sydney Roosters, but will now face intense scrutiny after being chosen as an outside center for the match at Twickenham, according to news corporation.
The 21-year-old has not played a rugby match since turning out for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2019, but his new Wallabies teammates have no doubt he will rise to the occasion after breaking the news. about his explosive code-switching. in 2023.
“You’ve seen him play in Origin, you’ve seen him play at the highest level of rugby league and although it’s a different game, the translation of how he competes is there. Physically he’s there. He’s ready,” says Samu Kerevi, potential center partner and mentor for the 21-year-old.
“He’s looking good,” adds assistant coach Geoff Parling.
I’m really impressed with him. An incredible athlete, and a little different in the sense that there are guys who are new to this type of environment and are not used to big occasions; Well, he is.
“And in terms of your application, your preparation, I couldn’t be more impressed with how you’ve applied yourself so far.”
Wallaby repeats that mantra after Wallaby at his training camp on the banks of the Thames. What impresses each of them is not just the talent, but the assiduous way in which Suaalii is relearning the game he played as a teenager.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (pictured at the Sydney Opera House after joining the Wallabies last month) will be included in 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 for his country’s union amid similar uproar, but believes Suaalii is better placed to make an instant impact.
“I feel like it’s a little different for Sam, because Joseph played Union at school. So he has a good union experience and he’s younger than Sam when he made the switch,” says Parling.
“Honestly, I 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 a perfect fit.
Kerevi has been impressed by the former Roosters star’s sheer professionalism, and also by his similarity to another league convert who starred for the Wallabies, Israel Folau.
“Even when she’s 21, she reminds you, in bits and pieces, of Izzy,” Kerevi noted.
‘Since I played with Izzy in Japan, I’ve talked to him a lot about him and they’re also very close.
“I know he’s keen to get a trial shirt and he’s backing 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 the Test lights. He’s been bombarding me with questions all week… I’m excited for him.’
And the sport is just as excited to see it.