Wallabies Gamble on NRL Prodigy Suaalii for Heavyweight Clash against England
In a bold move, the Wallabies are set to hand a starting debut to rugby league sensation Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for their high-stakes Test match against England at Twickenham this weekend. The 21-year-old, who only joined the national squad on October 14 after a prolific NRL campaign with the Sydney Roosters, will be thrown straight into the cauldron of international rugby union at the outside centre position.
Despite his lack of recent experience in the 15-a-side game – his last outing in the Wallaby jersey came when representing the Australian Schoolboys in 2019 – Suaalii’s Wallabies teammates have no doubts about his ability to rise to the occasion. “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,” says seasoned centre Samu Kerevi, who will mentor the debutant.
Parling Believes Suaalii is Better Positioned for Success
Assistant coach Geoff Parling, who was part of the England setup when another league convert, Sam Burgess, made a similar switch, believes Suaalii is better positioned for immediate success. “Joseph played Union at school. So he has a decent union background, and he’s younger than Sam was when making the switch,” Parling explains. “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 Draws Comparisons to Folau
Kerevi has been struck by Suaalii’s professionalism and natural talent, drawing comparisons to another illustrious league-to-union convert, Israel Folau. “Even as a 21 year old, he reminds you, in bits and pieces, of Izzy,” Kerevi notes. “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.”
The rugby union world eagerly awaits Suaalii’s baptism of fire against England, as the Wallabies gamble on the prodigious talent to make an immediate impact in the international arena.
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