Australia’s next big hope Joseph Suaalii declared he was “ready to go” if picked for next month’s Wallabies northern hemisphere tour after he switched from rugby league.
The 21-year-old outside back was a standout schoolboy rugby union player before electing to begin his professional career in rugby league with Sydney Roosters.
He signed a multi-million dollar deal – reported to be between A$1.5 and A$1.6 million (R17,6m) per year -with Super Rugby’s NSW Waratahs from the end of the 2024 season, following in the footsteps of former rugby league stars such as Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams.
Suaalii had his first training session back in the 15-player game in Canberra on Monday, led by Wallabies coaches.
“If they throw me in, I’m ready to go,” Suaalii said, ahead of Australia coach Joe Schmidt picking his squad for November-December Tests in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
“I’ve always backed myself playing footy. I’ll always back myself going against anyone.
“I’m very confident in my ability to play … at the end of the day, what I want to do is come play for the Waratahs and the Wallabies. That’s the goal and the aim and win games.”
Australia need all the help they can get, slumping to 10th in the World Rugby rankings with a 4-5 win-loss record since Schmidt took over from Eddie Jones earlier this year.
Suaalii said he would be happy to play where needed in the backs.
“I’ve always been open to playing centre, wing, fullback. If the coach put me anywhere … any position I’m ready to play,” he said.
“Wherever Joe puts me, I’m just putting my head down, learn as much as I can and just play footy.”
Should Schmidt decide Suaalii is not ready for Test rugby, he could instead be selected for the Australia A tour to the United Kingdom next month, where they will face the Bristol Bears and England A.
Suaalii penned a three-year deal with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia until 2027, which will ensure he is available for the British and Irish Lions tour next year through to Australia hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
