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Michael Cheika on Joseph Suaalii's biggest challenge
By Jon Newcombe
Former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika says managing expectation will be the biggest challenge for cross-code sensation Joseph Suaalii in the immediate future.
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Suaalii made a stunning Player of the Match contribution to Australia’s 42-37 win over England in his first-ever competitive game of professional rugby union three weeks ago and the hype train has been in overdrive ever since.
The 21-year-old former Sydney Roosters NRL star was benched for the Wallabies’ second Test against Wales and was then forced off early against Scotland with a hand injury in his second Test start.
But the injury was not as bad as first feared and he will resume his exciting midfield partnership with Len Ikitau for the Autumn Nations Series finale against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Cheika, whose background is steeped in rugby league, never had any doubts that the athletically gifted Suaalii would make a successful code switch.
“I have known Joe for a while. I think it was always going to be a successful transition, no matter whether he played in the first game of his career, first Test match or not. But to go and actually do that, and play the way he did in his first game of rugby at this level, just shows the mentality of the player.
“The important thing for him in general will be to keep the expectation level to a certain level. He has still got plenty of development left in his game, which he’ll know and coach Schmidt will know without a doubt. So plenty for him to go and build on but really good signs and a great signing for rugby (union) no doubt about it in Australia.”
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Suaalii’s game against Scotland lasted just 30 minutes after he was left clutching his wrist following a big tackle on Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu, with the Wallabies’ medical team reporting severe pain and a loss of function.
Suaalii doesn’t hold back in the tackle and some of his hits have been borderline in terms of height in his three appearances to date. But Cheika has no concerns that his tackle technique will get him into any disciplinary trouble.
“Everyone has got to work on tackle technique but so far I don’t think he has got himself into any bother, has he?
“I’ve worked with him down at the Roosters and seen him train and prepare, so he is a technically good player in training and works on his game very well.
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“I know speaking with (Roosters head coach) Trent Robinson, that is how he is as a player and you can see that in the transition. So I am sure he will master all of those things.”
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