Joseph-Aukuso Suallii: Israel Folau’s secret role in Rugby Australia’s heist of NRL star turned Wallaby

This is the $5 million portrait rugby fans have waited years to see. But there’s one man Rugby Australia should truly thank for getting Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii into a Wallabies jersey – Israel Folau. This is why.

This is the $5 million portrait that Rugby Australia should thank Israel Folau for.

In desperate need of a new saviour to help resurrect the struggling footy code after everything went to hell, the once-unthinkable sight of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii being photographed in a gold Wallabies jersey will be manna from heaven for the game’s true believers.

Yet to play a senior rugby match, let alone a Test for Australia, Suaalii was still the centre of attention at Tuesday’s official launch of the Wallabies commemorative jersey for next year’s British and Irish Lions tour.

“Ever since you were a young kid, you kind of dream of putting the Wallabies jersey on,” Suaalii said. “It’s kind of surreal.

“Putting it on for the first time was pretty cool. I had to go to a mirror and see for myself, it was kind of a pinch me moment.”

The photo every rugby fan has waited to see: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in a Wallabies jersey. Picture: Getty Images

Selected on reputation for the Wallabies’ grand slam tour of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland next month, it seems only a matter of weeks before Suaalii makes his international debut.

Considered a once in a generational talent, it’s no secret that cash-strapped Australian rugby officials broke the bank to persuade the 21-year-old to leave his fledgling career in the NRL and return to the floundering game he played as a child.

With Australia set to host the Lions in 2025 then the World Cup in 2027, the Wallabies need someone to give fresh hope to the game’s long-suffering supporters and have deemed Suaalii as the chosen one.

But the unsaid hope in rugby circles is that Suaalii can fill the enormous void that was left when Folau’s contract was terminated in 2019 after he posted a religious meme on social media that was deemed homophobic so in breach of his contract.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in his Wallabies kit, in front of Sydney tourist icons, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

But what’s not been widely told before is the role that Folau himself has played in encouraging Suaalii to be his own man and play whichever game he wants, regardless of the flak he may cop over it.

“Izzy is a man that doesn’t speak a lot, but it’s more his actions that I’ve picked up on,” Suaalii said.

“He’s a great man first of all and I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learnt, is to always be a great man outside of footy.“

Suaalii first saw Folau playing for the Wallabies when he made his debut against the Lions in 2013, the last time they visited Australia. A few years later, Suaalii met Folau in person, and they instantly struck up a close bond.

“I actually met Israel when I was 14,” Suaalii said.

“For a young kid, I really wanted to ask a lot of questions, I feel like that has been one of my strengths, just learning.

“Israel was someone I could look up to and ask questions to. Every now and then I do catch up with him and he’s a great mentor in my life.

Israel Folau made a big impact for the Wallabies, until his contract was terminated in 2019.

Like Folau, Suaalii has been a constant target for criticism, particularly over his decision to leave the Roosters and return to rugby at a time when the game is at a historic low.

Pressured to repent and stick with league, he says he never seriously thought about reneging on his promise, though he has left open the door for a possible return once his multi-million dollar deal ends after the World Cup.

“I’ve said it before, everyone has an opinion, which is respected, but I’m doing my own path and dreaming how I want to dream,” he said.

“Everyone else will have their opinion but I’m just living the life I want to live.

“I didn’t have one doubt in my mind that I was coming over. I knew what I was doing straight away.

“I’ve always wanted to play union one day and it’s always been a dream of mine so no matter what anyone said, it was also stuck in my mind and nothing was ever changing.”

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii starred for the Roosters during his time in the NRL. Picture: Getty Images

For now, Suaalii’s immediate focus is on the upcoming Spring Tour, which he wasn’t expecting to be selected for.

He still doesn’t know which position he’ll play after training at wing, centre and fullback but if his teammates are good judges, he’ll hit the ground running regardless.

“He’s a great athlete, he’s shown that, so if he gets called upon, he will be ready,” said Wallabies backrower Fraser McReight.

“The training we do will get him ready, so it’s just whether he gets picked by whoever does get picked will do the job.

“I’m super excited to see him play, personally. Big body.”