Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii declares the British & Irish Lions series biggest matches of his life

Now Wallabies’ star, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has made a declaration which is sure to ruffle the feathers of rugby league fans, especially those passionate NSW Blues supporters.

Wallabies player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii pictured in the Lions enclosure at Taronga Zoo during a Stan Sport photo call. Pics by Julian Andrews.

JOSEPH-Aukuso Suaalii has declared the upcoming British & Irish Lions series will be bigger than any game he played in rugby league, including State of Origin.

The Wallabies star is preparing for the might of the best England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales players in one team, supported by 40,000 fervent supporters travelling to Australia and thousands more expats here who will don their red jerseys and fill the streets during the eight-week tour that begins later this month.

Suaalii, the $5 million cross-code star who is returning from a broken jaw suffered for NSW Waratahs during the Super Rugby season, has declared himself fully fit to take on the Lions.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii poses for a photo shoot at Taronga Zoo ahead of Lions’ series. Picture: Julian Andrews

Suaalii ahead of his State of Origin debut in 2024. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“Some people play it once in your career, it happens every 12 years, so I believe (they are) going to be the biggest games of my life,” he said.

Even bigger than his Origin debut for NSW last year, when he was sent off seven minutes in for a high tackle on Reece Walsh.

“Yeah, these are the biggest games of my life, I believe,” Suaalii said.

“We haven’t had a really big event in Australia for Australian rugby for a while now, and I think it’s just the perfect time for us as a group, for Australian rugby.

“I think everyone in Australian rugby is very excited for the opportunity to play in that tour.”

While league fans may heartily disagree, there is no doubt the Lions Tests will have bigger global appeal, with more than 25 million people across 135 countries expected to tune in to each Test against Australia.

Suaalii revealed he has already returned to contact training after his jaw was accidentally broken by teammate Andrew Kellaway attempting a tackle, and he will be in full flight when the Wallabies hold a training camp in Sydney on Thursday and Friday for Waratahs players in contention.

“My face was really big for a bit, I was wearing a face mask everywhere, but it’s slowly coming down,” he said.

“There’s still a bit of baby fat around, it’s going well.

“Obviously, it’s such an important time for myself and Australian rugby, and I want to be playing.

“I’m like 97 per cent – I don’t know why 97 per cent, but I’ll say 97 per cent.

“I’ve been doing contact Monday and Tuesday this week. Thursday and Friday, I’ll be back into it fully. There’s a Wallabies hub on Thursday and Friday with the guys.”

Suaalii plans to play in Australia’s warm-up Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6, before the first Lions Test is played in Brisbane on July 19.

Suaalii in action for the Waratahs. Picture: Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 21-year-old is used to the sidelines, having suffered a toe injury, the jaw, and concussion this year.

“But it’s all part of my growth as a human and as a rugby player too, so it’s all part of the game, Suaalii said.

Unable to eat properly after his jaw surgery, Suaalii revealed his mum’s cooking has helped him get back on track.

“I lost around five kilos, I’ve put it all back on now,” he said.

“I’ve been eating heaps, thanks to my mum and my family around me for the support to help me stay back on track.

“Just going back home, and there’s always food there. So mum and dad always try to feed me as much as possible when I’m back home, so I’m always just trying to stay away from it. But, no, it’s good.”

Originally published as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii declares the British & Irish Lions series biggest matches of his life