‘Relax’: Suaalii’s busted jaw just a ‘minor’ injury, won’t miss Wallabies Tests, says Waratahs coach

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been told he should be ready to resume playing rugby in a month despite facing surgery for a broken jaw, in a massive boost for the Wallabies ahead of the Lions tour.

Already back pumping iron in the gym and chewing the fat with his mates, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been told he should be ready to resume playing rugby in a month despite facing surgery for a broken jaw.

Fears that Australian rugby’s $5 million man could miss this upcoming British and Irish Lions tour have been put to rest with officials saying the fracture is not as bad as it sounds.

Suaalii will still go under the surgeon’s knife and will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season but with the first Test against the Lions still more than nine weeks ago, Waratahs’ coach Dan McKellar said everyone can relax, knowing he’ll be fine before the opening whistle is blown.

“It’s a four-week injury, it looks like,” McKellar said.

“(It’s) disappointing from a Waratahs perspective; but all going well, and most of the time it does, he’s not going to be missing any Test matches or anything like that.

“It’s disappointing for Joseph to miss a few games for us in the back end of the (Super Rugby season), but in terms of what’s ahead everyone can take a breath and relax a little bit.”

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is taken from the field after an incident in which he broke his jaw. Picture: Getty Images

While the Waratahs were back on the pitch preparing for Friday’s clash against the Crusaders at Allianz Stadium, Suaalii headed to the gym, showing no signs of pain as he chatted with teammates.

“He’s been able to chew and eat, with a little bit of discomfort; but it wasn’t your typical fractured jaw where there is blood and clear separation,” McKellar said.

“It’s minor, with no re-wiring or anything that needs to occur that indicates it’s not a major fracture; but there is a fracture there and we need to look after him.

“He’s in the gym right now. He’s doing what needs to be done.

“If he walked in here, he’s talking and doing everything normally. We play a sport where it is collision-based and incredibly physical, and he’s got a wack … a little bit of ‘friendly fire.’ “

A victim of an accidental knee to the head from his Waratahs’ team mate Andrew Kellaway during last week’s 28-21 loss to Queensland, the sight of Suaalii lying motionless on the ground then being carted off the pitch with his neck in a brace, sent palpitations through everyone in Australian rugby.

Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar talks to injured Waratah player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Picture: Getty Images

But Suaalii gave the crowd a thumbs up to reassure him then he was OK while Reds winger Filipo Daugunu remained by his side ensuring he received prompt medical attention rather than continue with the play.

“Enormous respect and gratitude towards Filippo,” McKellar said. “I spoke to Joseph’s parents on Saturday, and they were keen to get in touch with him.

“It says a lot about him. We go hammer and tong and it’s a physical contest for eighty minutes – and it certainly was physical on Friday night.

“But at the end of the day, we’re all human beings. No one wants to see anyone injured.

“The boys appreciated that [act] and no one more so than Joseph and his family.”