Australian rugby fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of Joseph Suaali’i on home soil when the Waratahs take on the Highlanders on Super Rugby Pacific’s Valentine’s Day opener next year. The highly anticipated match will mark the first time fans will see Suaali’i in action, alongside other Wallabies stars Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Darby Lancaster, and Andrew Kellaway, who returns to the club for the first time since 2018.
As Suaali’i transitions from the NRL to rugby, all eyes will be on him, particularly given the significant investment made in his code switch. The question on everyone’s mind is how and where Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will utilize Suaali’i on Australia’s spring tour.
Schmidt has expressed interest in speaking with Suaali’i, but has yet to do so, wanting to give him time to focus on his current commitments. Once available, Schmidt plans to have a conversation with Suaali’i to determine the best way to integrate him into the team.
One possibility is for Suaali’i to join the Australia A squad for games against England A and Bristol, allowing him to gain valuable playing time and reacquaint himself with the sport. This could also provide an opportunity for Schmidt to assess Suaali’i’s skills and determine where he fits best in the backline.
Suaali’i’s versatility is an asset, having played various positions in the NRL, including right centre, wing, and fullback. His height and weight could make him a valuable asset in the midfield, where the Wallabies currently lack physical presence.
The arrival of Suaali’i may cause some nerves among existing Wallabies players, but Schmidt has expressed admiration for the team’s current backline, including Hunter Paisami, Lenny Ikitau, and Dylan Pietsch. Tom Wright’s solid performance at fullback has likely secured his spot, while Andrew Kellaway’s experience and game sense make him a reliable option on the right wing.
The left-wing position is less certain, with Marika Koroibete’s future uncertain due to injury and discussions with his Japanese club. This could create opportunities for younger players like Darby Lancaster and Max Jorgensen.
Ultimately, the key to Suaali’i’s success will be continuity of position and conversations between Schmidt and Waratahs coach Dan McKellar. With careful planning and integration, Suaali’i could become a genuine threat against the Lions next year, following in the footsteps of Israel Folau, who made a successful transition from the NRL to rugby.
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