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'Freak' - Joseph Suaalii’s spectacular Wallabies debut leaves fans in awe
By Ian Cameron
Joseph Suaalii’s debut for the Wallabies against England at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon left fans and pundits alike in awe – with social media ablaze with praise for the 21-year-old’s return to rugby union.
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The Wallabies won a thrilling contest 42-37, care of last gasp Max Jorgensen try in the 82nd minute, but it was the performance of their new, 6’5 outside centre that stole the show in the first half. The former Australia schoolboy’s switch from rugby league back to union was one of the most high-profile code-hopping moves in recent memory and he certainly lived up to the hype on his professional debut in the sport.
Despite not having played the 15-a-side game since 2019, Suaalii was hailed as a game-changer in a high-stakes clash in West London. Playing like a mix between Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Folau, the rookie’s offloading game and aerial skills had fans calling him the “real deal” and a “joy to watch”.
“Joseph Suaalii is the real deal,” wrote Whittaker Walt. “A joy to watch a rising star in the making.” Another fan commented on Suaalii’s ability to stay unflappable under pressure: “Suaalii hasn’t put a foot wrong this entire match. Absolutely going to be a legend.”
Great finish from Tom Wright but this one is all about the Joseph Sua’ali’i offload 🔥#ENGvAUS | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/OJIyeU7ZWq
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 9, 2024
Jon Cardinelli wrote “Suaalii has been class on attack… wreaking havoc at kickoffs”.
The young talent brought a level of creativity and flair often seen in the league, with a cheeky no-look pass to set up Tom Wright for Australia’s opening try. As Tom Hamilton from ESPN noted, it was “some introduction from the cross-code star.”
“Suaalii just walking in to be the Wallabies’ best player haha,” wrote Byron, reflecting a sentiment echoed across fans’ posts as Suaalii repeatedly broke the English line with ease. Meanwhile, rugby writer Christy Doran marvelled at his confidence on the ball: “Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii with spiders on him. About four offloads inside 26 minutes.”
Others acknowledged the Wallabies’ investment in Suaalii as worthwhile, with Mana Rugby remarking: “A lot was said about how much Rugby Australia are paying Suaalii, but he’s the best Wallaby on the pitch by a mile. If anything, they should pay him more.”
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The Wallabies’ first-half fightback, spurred in part by Suaalii’s dynamic presence, was praised by Paul Cully, who said, “Great fightback by the Wallabies…and some great injections on attack by Suaalii. Best 40 of the year.”
His impact was perhaps best summarized by former England wing and commentator Topsy Ojo, who captured the mood among fans as he said: “Suaalii living up to the hype! Lovely touches. Australia looking good going direct at England. Need a response.”
What did we just witness? 😳😳😳 #ENGvAUS | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/r2hknne976
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 9, 2024
It’s been a meteoric rise for the Suaalii, who made his NRL debut at just 17.
His switch back to rugby union started in late August 2022, Rugby Australia (RA) reportedly pursued him with a substantial offer allegedly around A$10 million over five years, though RA Chairman Hamish McLennan called this figure “fanciful.” Suaalii officially signed in March 2023 to join the New South Wales Waratahs and Wallabies starting in 2025, with a contract estimated between A$1.5 and A$1.6 million per year until 2027. Despite criticism from league figures like Peter V’landys, who claimed rugby would be “boring” for the young star, Suaalii’s shift was celebrated in union circles, where he’s compared to cross-code legends like Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams.
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NRL players will be watching and weeping at the amount of fun you can have in a game of rugby compared to league. Just so much more room for creativity when your attack doesn't rely on maintaining possession.
Was nice to see that freedom and skill, but he didn't actually contribute near as much to the scoring as what him showing courage at being able to take it to, and be better than, the opposition contributed to the teams performance and victory.
Suaalii had a solid game. Great hands. Confused at the English defence which was woeful compared to last week. Holes everywhere.
Where is the Ballymore Bleater now? If you had any dignity OJohn you would leave this platform for good and kick the Vicar's cat.
JS and MJ. 2 new stars for the Wallabies and what a game for them. I expected the English to win by a mile, but well done Wallabies. SH teams is rocking and pitching up. I guess the NH still have a way to go. If the weak Aussies is getting in shots, watch out!
Huge miss by the referee of the knock on before England’s last try. They should not have been in the lead at all — what’s the point of referees if they don’t cover the basics.
100%. I thought Ben had a shocker. England going off their feet in the rucks. England lucky not to have conceded more penalties.
Well played Aussies, never gave up deserved victory.
Sua'al'ii is an extraordinary talent and will only get better his offloads were next level.
Borthwick and Co have some serious questions to answer with SA next up i fear we will get stuffed.
Rather nonplussed Englishman.
Watched the match on Hamburg. The commentator said Sua'ali'i was playing in cheat mode. Outstanding debut.