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Joseph Suaalii lifts lid on where he'll play in rugby union
By Ian Cameron
Joseph Suaalii’s switch from rugby league to union has stirred up plenty of speculation about his future role with the Wallabies but the 21-year-old remains unfazed about where he’ll line up.
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Suaalii spoke openly this week at a training hub in Canberra about the move and accepts that where he plays is still a decision to be made as he adapts to the 15-man game.
Suaalii played as a winger and fullback in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters but has yet to settle on his position in rugby union after several years out of the game. His speed and aerial ability make him a natural fit for fullback or wing but his large 6’5 frame also opens up possibilities in the centres.
“It’s just about learning each day, you know?” he told reporters. “Just sitting down, going through film, and just little things, just to learn.” Despite the steep learning curve, he expressed confidence in his ability to adjust to whatever role he’s given. “I’ve played the game before, and I’m very confident in my abilities.
“Look, I’ve always been open to playing wing, fullback… If the coach put me anywhere, honestly. I feel like I’m just a footy player at the end of the day. Like, yeah, any position I’m ready to play. I don’t really have a preferred position.”
His past experience in rugby union as a schoolboy star has given him a solid foundation but he knows the international level is a different beast.
“I feel like I can bring my competitiveness on the field,” he said. “It starts by training every day, just getting in, competing, and then slowly progressing to the games.”
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“Everyone wants to win,” he said. “I’m a competitor, and that’s what I want to do — win. Wherever I end up playing, that’s what I’m going to bring, that competitive edge.”
As for his thoughts on the Wallabies’ current form, the Penrith-born athlete believes the squad has a strong foundation despite their recent struggles under new head coach Joe Schmidt.
“I feel like we’ve got a lot of quality boys in the team,” he said. “We’ve had a couple of good games against Wales, but obviously, a couple of losses to South Africa, Argentina, and the All Blacks too.
“There’s a strong base here at the Wallabies, and I’m just very keen to be a part of the team. I’m very confident in the team too.”
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“I just want to train hard, learn fast, and compete at the highest level,” he said. “I’m ready to bring that competitiveness wherever they need me on the field.”
in general every league player is best at 12
Sua'ali'i would probably need to bulk out a bit first though
15 would be a good fit for him physically, and would suit his skillset given his kicking, but does he have the tactical awareness to win kick tennis battles? I haven't watched league in years but I gather that that isn't really part of the game
I have watched rugby league recently, and no, kicking duals aren't part of the game still. They have very good short kicking games but Sua'ali'i has been playing in the centres (substantially different from rugby centres as the centres stand and on opposite sides of the ruck (paly-the-ball) in attack and are partnered with a back rower. It's not really a straight swap and very limited kicking in those positions.
I think his height and off loading ability would make him suitable at 12 (as you say maybe a little light yet). They might start him on the wing but NSW have Pietsch, Jorgensen and Kellaway as well, so I think, at NSW where he is contracted, he might be used initially as a 13 to replace Perese who is now playing at Leicester. They could also use Pietsch (who has backrow experience and defends well) at 13 too.
I think the defensive requirement at 13 takes a bit of getting used to but I have no doubt that he is capable if well coached and I think Mike Catt has a decent coaching record and should be able to help him with the transition. Catt did play a number of positions himself, fullback, fly-half, centre and wing.
So what's the position then? Clickbait
Wherever the coach wants him to, if I read it correctly, but he did mention both wing and fullback.
So he doesn't know where he's playing? Bit of a misleading title