Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii racing the clock for Lions series after serious injury confirmed, Wallabies confident he will be fit

Wallabies insiders expect Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to return to the field sooner than what his broken jaw may have first indicated, after the sport’s multimillion-dollar recruit was ruled out for the Waratahs.

JOSEPH-Aukuso Suaalii will be able to eat without a straw if his broken jaw surgery goes to plan, giving the Wallabies confidence he’ll be fit to play against Fiji and the British & Irish Lions.

All will depend on the success of the surgery and no complications post-op, but Suaalii is expected by Wallabies insiders to take the field against the Fijians in Newcastle on July 6, a fortnight before the first Lions Test.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is racing the clock to feature for the Wallabies against the Lions after revelations he has a broken jaw. Picture: Getty Images

When players break their jaw, one of the key concerns for medical staff is how much weight they’ll potentially lose if they have to eat through a straw.

In Suaalii’s case, it’s expected he’ll be able to eat as normal if his operation goes well. That should ensure he doesn’t drop much weight and retains his strength in his rehabilitation comeback.

He will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season for NSW, but is expected to resume light training in four weeks.

The $5 million superstar was stretchered off the field in last Friday’s match between NSW and Queensland, after Waratahs teammate Andrew Kellaway accidentally struck Suaalii’s face with his knee during a tackle.

Suaalii is stretchered off after what has now been found to be a broken jaw. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Suaalii had been recovering well from his concussion, but after complaining about soreness, doctors found “a small undisplaced fracture of the jaw”.

The 21-year-old will have surgery and be sidelined for at least four weeks, and then a return-to-play schedule will be devised for him.

The nature and return time for jaw injuries are notoriously difficult to predict.

NSW are eighth on the Super Rugby ladder and need to win their remaining three games to make the top six finals series.

If they fail to do so, Suaalii could be without rugby for two months. The Wallabies select their Lions squad on July 11, days after the warm-up Test against Fiji.

A Waratahs statement said Suaalii “sustained a concussion last Friday night in the NSW Waratah’s Super Rugby Pacific game against the Queensland Reds which was managed by the match day medical team.

“He was monitored and has settled well from his concussion.

“However, over the ensuing days he developed soreness which has been subsequently investigated and has shown a small undisplaced fracture of the jaw.

“In consultation with specialists, it has been determined that a small operation to reinforce the area is the best path forward.

“This will result in a review after four weeks and return to play based on that review.”

NSW head coach Dan McKellar said: “This is unfortunate for us and especially for Joseph. We wish him all the best in his recovery and return to full health.

“We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies.”

Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar said Suaalii’s health is first priority. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

This is less than ideal preparation for the Lions series for Australia and Suaalii, who missed several games earlier this season due to a foot injury.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said this week he would be paying close attention to the form of players in the lead-up to, and during, Super Rugby finals games which would give him a clearer indication of their performances under pressure.

That is no longer possible for Suaalii, who is being considered as a fullback, centre or winger for the Lions Test series that begins on July 19 in Brisbane.

Worst fears have been confirmed for Suaalii and the Waratahs. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

While the recovery time from jaw surgery varies from player to player, and can sometimes take several months, there are plenty of top players who have made speedy returns.

At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the French captain Antione Dupont fractured his draw in a pool game against Nambia. He underwent immediate surgery but was back playing for France within days.

The current Lions captain Maro Itoje broke his jaw in two places in December 2018 but was back on the field playing in 35 days.

“When I first went they said it was going to be three months but when the specialist saw it, he said that it wouldn’t need to be that long,” Itoje said.

“I think it was probably [the most painful injury] I’ve ever had, just because there are so many nerves and your mouth is quite sensitive.”

Suaalii has endured previous concussions during his time in the NRL with Sydney Roosters.

Originally published as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii racing the clock for Lions series after serious injury confirmed, Wallabies confident he will be fit