NSW Waratahs name Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at fullback, reigniting memories of Israel Folau
The Waratahs begin a new era, and they’ve named 13 Wallabies in their final trial match against the Brumbies, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s new position confirmed.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Let the comparisons to Israel Folau begin.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been handed the famed Waratahs No. 15 jersey in NSW’s key trial game against the Brumbies this weekend, in a strong indication he will play fullback this Super Rugby Pacific season.
While Suaalii played his four Tests for the Wallabies at outside centre on the spring tour, Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has named him to start at fullback for this Saturday’s clash against the Brumbies in Bowral, in what will be NSW’s final outing before their season kicks off on February 14.
The last time the Tahs had a superstar former NRL player at fullback, Folau helped NSW win the Super Rugby title in his second year. That was in 2014, the last time any Australian team won a trans-Tasman Super Rugby crown.
Now all eyes will be on $5 million man Suaalii to see if he can replicate that magic.
McKellar said of Suaalii: “There’s so much training you can do, but now it is about him putting into practice in a match situation what he’s worked hard on building cohesion.
“Thankfully, he was involved in the Wallabies tour and a number of the other players around him were too, your Jake Gordons, Kellaways, Jorgensens. You know he’s familiar with them now, and he’s quickly building a nice combination with guys like Lalakai (Foketi) and Joe Walton as well.”
The tall, lean frame, the incredible aerial leap, the strong fend and ability to glide through space make for natural comparisons between Suaalii and Folau.
And the pair are in regular contact, with Suaalii revealing a fortnight ago the pair talk on the phone often, but hardly about sport.
Folau, who now plays in Japan after being sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019, is somewhat of a mentor to Suaalii and gives him advice about life off the field.
On the field, Suaalii and the Tahs are expected to lead a revival, after claiming the wooden spoon in 2024 with just two wins all season.
And they’re taking this trial match seriously judging by their squad, with 13 Wallabies in the 27-man squad to play at Eridge Park in the southern highlands.
The Wallabies in the starting side with Suaalii are prop Angus Bell, hooker David Porecki, flanker Rob Leota, No. 8 Langi Gleeson, scrumhalf and captain Jake Gordon, fly half Tane Edmed, wingers Max Jorgensen and Andrew Kellaway and outside centre Lalakai Foketi.
Walton and Foketi form the centre partnership while Kellaway and Jorgensen are on the wings.
The three Wallabies who were named to play from the bench are props Isaac Kailea and Taniela Tupou, and winger Darby Lancaster.
“The trial games are an opportunity to give people game time across the board,” McKellar said.
“There’s a lot, lot of players here who have worked incredibly hard over recent months. They got a good opportunity last week against NSW Pasifica.
“Then there’s the players who have returned (from Wallabies commitments) over the last few weeks. They’ll get an opportunity this week.
“And that’s what it comes down to a chance for everyone to put their best foot forward for selection for 14 February.
“That’s the approach we have for these two trial games, as well as considering training performance.
“Myself and the (assistant) coaches will then have a discussion about what we think is the best twenty-three to start the season.”
For Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific, the NSW Waratahs will host the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney on Friday, 14 February.
Originally published as NSW Waratahs name Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at fullback, reigniting memories of Israel Folau
‘Shattered’: Kangaroos young gun’s injury blow
A day after a trio of St Kilda stars were put on the sidelines, a North Melbourne youngster has suffered a similar injury fate.
Why hall of famer chose ‘dream’ spot
Australia’s most capped female Test player “didn’t hesitate” when asked where she wanted to be acknowledged as the latest inductee to Australia’s Cricket Hall of Fame.