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Wallabies hopeful predicts how Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will find code switch
By Finn Morton
Wallabies hopeful Tane Edmed doesn’t expect Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to struggle following his high-profile switch from rugby league. Suaalii’s rugby journey is underway, with the new recruit training with some of the nation’s best during a recent two-day camp in Canberra.
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Before the Wallabies’ highly-anticipated Spring Tour, and a two-match tour for an Australia XV as well, Suaalii has embarked on a new challenge. With the British and Irish Lions Tour just around the corner, there seems to be some external pressure resting on his shoulders.
Last year, Rugby Australia announced in March that they’d signed Suaalii on what’s believed to be a lucrative contract. The now 21-year-old still had some time left in the NRL, but that came to a close last month when the Sydney Roosters lost to the Melbourne Storm.
With Suaalii joining future NSW Waratahs teammates and ACT Brumbies rivals at a training camp in Canberra earlier this week, it’s no surprise that a lot of the talk has been about Rugby Australia’s new big-name signing.
But, while there might be some external pressure and expectation hanging over Suaalii, others don’t expect the former Australia U18s representative to struggle in rugby union’s big time. Edmed, who will play with him at the Waratahs, explained why.
“I think it probably won’t take him too long, mate. He’s a natural athlete. He’s got his head on his shoulders, well and truly,” Edmed told reporters in Canberra.
“He’s intuitive, he’s looking to learn every session, and at the end of the day, he’s a great football player so I don’t think it’ll take him too long.
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“Being an outside back, I don’t think there’s a whole lot different (between league and union). But I think yeah, I think he’s going to be just fine.”
When Suaalii began playing for the Roosters in the NRL, the then-teenager was primarily used as a winger before later moving into the centres. The skilful, 196cm tall talent played 66 matches for the Tricolours, scoring 29 tries and converting 75 shots at goal.
But, it remains to be seen whether Suaalii will play as an outside back in rugby union. With such size, power and skill, it’s not exactly out of the question that he could line up in the centres for Dan McKellar at the Tahs and Joe Schmidt at international level.
While the man himself doesn’t have a preference on where he plays and rather just wants to be on the field, it seems that others doesn’t quite know the answer either.
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“I guess the question that everyone wants to know the answer to,” Edmed said.
“I can see him anywhere from 13 to winger to fullback. Sorry, I can’t really help you there.
“Mate, we’ve got so much quality in the back three and the centres so it’ll be – I wouldn’t want to be a coach picking the team.
“I’ll be happy to just have him out there anywhere.”
If selected to play for the Wallabies, Suaalii’s focus will be on the upcoming Spring Tour to take on England at Allianz Stadium, followed by Tests against Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It’s the perfect preparation for next year’s Lions Series.
But, there’s also an Australia XV representative side that is set to make the trip up north. That team will take on Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in November, followed by a clash with England at the Twickenham Stoop.
