Wallabies rush Suliasi Vunivalu into squad after NRL grand final win
Two weeks after helping Melbourne Storm win the NRL grand final, Suliasi Vunivalu has been spotted entering the Wallabies camp.
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Code-hopper Suliasi Vunivalu has joined the Wallabies squad just two weeks after helping Melbourne Storm win the NRL grand final.
The 24-year-old flyer, who has signed a $1.2 million, two-year deal with Rugby Australia for 2021-22, has begun his tenure in the 15-man code earlier than expected.
The Daily Telegraph observed Vunivalu exiting the RA headquarters carpark at Moore Park after a training session.
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A patron also saw Vunivalu dining with several Wallabies players last Sunday night in the upstairs restaurant of the Clovelly Hotel.
It’s understood Vunivalu has been brought into the national squad primarily to fast-track his development.
Vunivalu underwent a COVID-19 test on Tuesday, and is expected to travel with the entire Wallabies squad to the Hunter Valley on Wednesday.
Vunivalu starred in Melbourne’s 26-20 grand final win over Penrith at ANZ Stadium on October 25, scoring an 80-metre intercept try late in the first half.
He has signed a two-year with RA and Queensland Reds, who is expected to join for pre-season training early next year.
This training camp will allow new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie and his staff to educate Vunivalu on their game plans and expectations of wingers.
Former Melbourne Storm winger Marika Koroibete has made the switch to rugby with ease, winning the John Eales medal last year as Wallabies player of the year and continuing his sensational form during the Bledisloe Cup series.
Debutant winger Tom Wright scored with his first touch against the All Blacks last weekend, while Filipo Daugunu has shown glimpses of brilliance and blundering in his short international career.
Also in the squad as wing options are Waratahs duo Jack Maddocks and James Ramm, who have not been selected for the Wallabies so far this year, while Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge and Tom Banks can cover the position among a number of others.
But it would be quite the story should Vunivalu earn a debut Test call-up without playing a game of Super Rugby.
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Rennie has been very clear that under his tenure, every player must earn the right to wear the jersey.
However, he has also been bold in his selection calls, picking a number of rookies and ruthlessly dropping those who underperform.
Vunivalu is a potential superstar in rugby, with his speed, power and aerial skills similar to that of another former Storm convert, Israel Folau.