Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii certain starter for opening Super Rugby Pacific round despite last-minute injury

After a false start stopped his club rugby debut, Rugby Australia’s most expensive signing ever has given a clear indication when he’ll play again.

Code hopper Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has declared himself a certain starter for Super Rugby Pacific’s first round after an injury scare delayed his debut in a trial for the NSW Waratahs last weekend.

Suaalii, who made his international debut for the Wallabies just weeks after leaving the NRL, and before playing a club game of rugby, said he was ready to take on the key fullback role, following in the footsteps of Israel Folau.

His debut in the No.15 jumper was delayed after he was forced to sit out last Saturday’s trial against the Brumbies due to knee soreness, which he said was a precaution.

But amid increased expectation after his $5m move from the Sydney Roosters to rugby, Suaalii returned to full training on Wednesday and said he was “really confident” he would be 100 per cent for the Waratahs clash with the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on February 14.

“Yeah, I’ll be available for selection,” he said at the official Super Rugby Pacific season launch in Sydney.

Season Launched 🚀

Don't miss when we take on the highlanders Feb 14 at Allianz Stadium
🔗 https://t.co/uDxqogqKrV#wearetahspic.twitter.com/ryNXoEqeeA

— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) February 5, 2025

The 21-year-old will travel a similar path to another NRL convert in Folau, who played fullback for the Waratahs and Wallabies in a glittering career cut short by off-field controversy.

While he was named at fullback against the Brumbies and likely to play there again next week, Suaalii said he’d play anywhere and had trained to be adaptable.

“Honestly, I’ve always played different positions growing up too, so I enjoy playing rugby and that’s the main thing,” he said.

“I just see it as a number (on my back). I don’t see it as a defined position.”

Suaalii said coach Dan McKellar had kept his instructions for his new weapon simple.

“Dan said to me, ‘Go find the ball’. I tell myself too to go find the ball,” Suaalii said.

“So if I’m playing on the wing, centre or fullback, it’s about finding the ball.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii made a brilliant start for the Wallabies. Picture: Andy Buchanan / AFP

“But it’s always about learning different roles and how to make me a better rugby player.

“Look, if you want to be the best, you have to take a harder route. You’re not going to be the best just playing in one position.

“I’m a big believer in learning all different positions, making yourself better in certain positions.

“I’m just enjoying playing, whether it be 10, fullback … it’s just a game of rugby.”