Why Roosters convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s arrival could end Marika Koroibete’s Wallabies career
The best Australian winger of the past five years, and dual John Eales Medal winner, is facing the end to his Wallabies career. Find out why inside.
Unthinkable a few weeks ago, it’s now time for the Wallabies to consider life after Marika Koroibete.
The best Australian winger of the past five years, and dual John Eales Medal winner, Koroibete has been well below par in recent weeks, and because of his big-money contract in Japan, won’t be available for the spring tour.
So at 32 years of age, and with potentially only one more Test this weekend against the All Blacks in Wellington before the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, coach Joe Schmidt must weigh up if this could be the last time Koroibete features in the gold jersey.
It is an alarming consideration, given Koroibete’s years of excellence and big-game experience.
But time is against him.
Ideally, Koroibete would have been available for the spring tour – when the Wallabies face the Grand Slam nations that will make up the Lions squad – so that his form could be measured against likely rivals.
He is the only overseas-based player Schmidt has picked for The Rugby Championship, but Koroibete hasn’t delivered the usual brilliance he is renowned for.
That doesn’t bode well for his chance of selection against the Lions, unless he plays against the All Blacks on Saturday and has a blinder.
Koroibete, who rarely leaves the field before the full-time siren, was replaced in the 63rd minute last week by Dylan Pietsch.
It followed lacklustre games against South Africa.
So in essence, Koroibete may only get one more shot for the Wallabies.
Andrew Kellaway is a regular starter on the wing, Max Jorgensen is also a favourite when fit, while Filipo Daugunu, Corely Toole, Darby Lancaster have all played Tests this year.
Previous Wallabies wingers Jordan Petaia and Suliasi Vunivalu haven’t even been looked at so far, while Queensland flyer Tim Ryan is another contender.
And that’s not even factoring in the biggest addition to the spring tour squad – NRL star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
The man being paid $5.35 million by Rugby Australia over the next three seasons will finish duties with the Sydney Roosters, and then be on the plane to the United Kingdom where his learning will be sped up, in anticipation of his involvement against the Lions.
While Suaalii has been discussed as a potential union centre, the Wallabies have an effective midfield duo in Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau, and it would take a remarkable transformation for Suaalii to break up that partnership in a matter of months, particularly while learning the nuances of defending middle and wider channels.
It’s more likely his introduction will start on the wing.
So competition is fierce, and Koroibete could be the major casualty given his summer months will be spent in Japan’s Top League for Panasonic Wild Knights.
Pietsch has had limited opportunities so far in his debut Test season, but did produce some impressive moments against the All Blacks last week.
He spoke of the challenge of competing against Koroibete for the starting left wing spot.
“I’d always like to start but we’ve got a world class winger on the edge there,” Pietsch said.
“And you’ve got to respect what he’s done in the past and what he does in the effort area, is what he does every week.
“So I’m more than happy to start but I understand that Marika is there and he’s one of the best.
“There’s a reason for that.”
Schmidt is expected to largely stick with the group that came within three points of the Kiwis in Sydney.
However, back-up five-eighth Tom Lynagh is struggling with injury and is set to be ruled out of this weekend’s clash.
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