'More here': Ex-NRL star says Super Rugby tougher than international rugby

Ex-NRL star and Wallabies superstar Joseph Suaalii got his first taste of club action for the Waratahs on Friday night and was surprised by the intensity.

After making his rugby union debut at the highest level last November with the Wallabies, Suaalii was impressed with Super Rugby.

The ex-Roosters star debuted against England before playing Wales, Scotland and Ireland on the end-of-year-tour.

Friday’s game against the Highlanders was his first taste of action against New Zealand rugby players since he was an Australian schoolboy rep.

“I reckon the intensity, it was more here – that’s Super Rugby,” Suaalii told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“If I’m being quite honest, I was talking to [Waratahs captain] Jake Gordon about it; just the ball in play, the contact and the boys were ready to play today, the Highlanders boys.

“I got hit a couple of times. It was good. It’s a high level of footy we’re playing here, especially against those Kiwi boys … I’m just glad we got the win.”

The different style of game at Super Rugby level in the Southern Hemisphere lends itself to a different challenge, with more attacking play that sees outside backs more involved.

Suaalii also played fullback for the Waratahs, as opposed to outside centre with the Wallabies, which required him to move a lot more and cover the backfield.

“There were a couple of times when I was out of position, but other than that, I actually enjoyed being able to see the game from 15 [fullback], and just being able to scan and see from a different perspective from centre,” Suaalii said.

“But obviously, there a lot of things to work on.

“It’s more running compared to centre, where you’re tackling a little bit more. So, yeah it was a lot of high-speed running, so I still need to get the Ks into my legs.”

The other variable is the conditions, with the cold of Europe’s November a stark contrast from a February night in Sydney in the middle of summer.

But Suaalii’s comparison is a glowing endorsement for Super Rugby which produced an enthralling round one of action with close games all across the Pacific.

The 21-year-old was influential for the Waratahs having a handful of line breaks which led to tries for the home side.

Getting a win on the board was crucial for the Sydney-based side to start a new era well and capitalise on having the spotlight without the AFL and NRL on.

Unfortunately, they have a bye in week two which is the last week before the other codes start.