Young guns Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Henry Pollock set to light up Wallabies v Lions series

They are the two most exciting young talents in world rugby, but that’s where the similarities end for Wallabies superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Lions sensation Henry Pollock.

Jamie Pandaram

@JamiePandaram

4 min read

July 3, 2025 - 6:00PM

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Two of the most exciting young talents in world rugby are set to collide during this Lions tour of Australia, but they could not have more different personalities.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is the quiet, private rugby league convert, while Pollock is the loud, brash former England under-20s captain who has stormed into the Test arena.

What they both share in common is a relentless dedication to excel, and this coming series could very well come down to a moment of brilliance from either man.

Suaalii, 21, is a hard-charging, venomous tackling athlete with unmatched aerial capabilities.

Pollock, 20, is extraordinarily fast for a backrower, and as shown against the Western Force last weekend, his ability to chip and regather, or offload in contact, make him a threat on multiple fronts.

Joseph-Aukoso Suaalii could be the game-changer the Wallabies need. Picture: Getty Images

Regardless of the result, this series is set to announce both as bona fide global stars of rugby, and those who know them say they will deliver under the pressure.

“It’s really exciting for him as an athlete and it’s really exciting for us as an organisation to have a player of his ability, the way he carries himself and the way that he’s elevated the level of professionalism across rugby,” Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said of Suaalii.

“He’s a player that does similar to what we’re trying to do as an organisation, around the professionalising of the organisation. He’s a real professional with the way he goes about his preparation.

“We know that he’s obviously had the (jaw) injury at the back end of Super Rugby, he’s been well managed through our medical team and strength conditioning teams across the Waratahs and Wallabies and he’ll be primed to perform.”

Having had a taste of State of Origin last year and played in NRL finals, Suaalii knows all about the big stage, but also understand the magnitude of a Lions series.

“Some people play it once in your career, it happens every 12 years, so I believe it’s going to be the biggest games of my life,” 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.”

Having played Origin in the NRL and several Tests for the Wallabies, Joseph-Aukoso Suaalii has shown he can handle the pressure. Picture: PA Images via Getty Images

Pollock has impressed his coach and teammates with his tem-first approach, despite the noise around him of being cocky.

“It’s an amazing group and environment to be part of – we’re the four best nations, the best players in the northern hemisphere,” Pollock said.

“I’m honoured to be here. This kind of campaign and this kind of group is only together for a short amount of time and we’re trying to write history. So we’re just trying to get as close as we can together.”

Henry Pollock breaks clear for the British & Irish Lions. Picture: Getty Images

Lions coach Andy Farrell says despite reports out of England camp that Pollock had a tendency to be a pest, he’s only found him to be pleasant on the tour so far.

“He’s not been a pest, definitely not, he’s been great,” Farrell said.

“You can see that he’s hungry to learn and that’s perfect because you can see that he’s got a real point of difference. He’s hungry to make a difference the whole time.

“But he also understands what parts of his game he needs to improve. He’s got a great attitude.

“He’s certainly not overawed. I mean I love that. You want them kids to be themselves. You don’t want a kid to go under the radar and in three weeks’ time just settle into a side.

“You pick him for a reason. He’s a Lion, just like the eldest player. There’s no difference whatsoever. His character is infectious to everyone. He’s a great lad.

Henry Pollock is the 20-year-old superstar-in-waiting who could hold the key for the British & Irish Lions. Picture: Getty Images

“You want them to be like that, but he’s a humble kid as well. He doesn’t think he’s got it all, far from that. You want people with confidence and belief – that helps when he takes the field.

“He’s just being himself. He doesn’t know any different. His point of difference is his ability to see things quickly and act upon that and his line running, for example, is pretty good. His awareness of space and how sharp he is in his mind and his athletic abilities are up there with the other lads in the squad.”

Australian-born Lions winger Mack Hansen has only started to get to know Pollock on a personal level over the past five weeks.

“He’s a great fella, he really is, people say he does things for the camera and all that, but from getting to know him, I think that’s just him,” Hansen said.

“He just loves it. He’s just living his dream and he’s like, ‘How good is this?’. So I don’t think it’s fake by any means. From getting to know him, he’s just loving being here.

“He’s 20 years old. Who would have thought? He’s been good. He’s just been himself. That’s the main message that Faz gives everyone is just be yourself. He’s doing that.”