Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii better prepared for intense atmosphere of clash with British and Irish Lions

The chance to play against the British and Irish Lions was a key reason in former Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s decision to switch codes.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s forgettable State of Origin experience last year is a valuable lesson he will learn from when he represents the Wallabies in Saturday night’s series-opening battle against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane.

The former Sydney Roosters star’s only Origin appearance before his defection to rugby union ended after just seven minutes when he was sent off for a high tackle on Queensland fullback Reece Walsh at Accor Stadium.

In a match this weekend set to be played in a similarly intense atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium, Suaalii has promised not to make the same mistake twice despite the likelihood that he will be squaring up against Lions centre Sione Tuipulotu.

The pair were involved in a heated battle in November last year during a Test between Australia and Scotland.

It again ended badly for Suaalii, who suffered a wrist injury when hitting Tuipulotu with a crunching tackle during the Wallabies’ 27-13 loss.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s only State of Origin appearance was an experience to forget. Picture: NRL Photos

“I’m not going to speak on it, to be fair,” Suaalii said on Monday.

“Whatever’s said on the field stays on the field.

“I’m ready to go. I’m ready to play. I always focus on myself first before I put my energy into someone else.”

Particularly after his Origin debacle.

“The biggest thing I learned was … the way I was leading into that (Origin) week,” 21-year-old Suaalii said.

“It taught me a lot about myself. Leading into these big games is just about being neutral, not being too high or too low, not playing the game before playing it.

“I think that was my biggest lesson from that game. These games (against the Lions) are going to be big, but we’re just focused on (Monday’s) training session leading into the game on Saturday.

“I’m just trying to do the best for the team.”

Suaalii has proven popular with fans since switching to rugby union. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Suaalii said the chance to play against the Lions was a key factor in his decision to make the switch from rugby league to rugby union.

“I miss playing for the Sydney Roosters and playing for the Blues … but at the same time I’m loving where I am right now,” he said.

“I love playing for the Waratahs and for the Wallabies and hopefully the opportunity to play against the Lions.

“I understand what I need to do be at my best for Saturday.”

Wallabies lock Will Skelton said Suaalii was a “great asset” for Australia to have.

“The way he prepares for matches, the way he holds himself … I’m still learning as one of the oldest in the squad how to prepare for a game,” Skelton said.

“You take little bits from each player, and I’ve definitely taken stuff from Joe.

“He’s himself, he’s not being anyone else … that’s all as a player you want to be”

Originally published as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii better prepared for intense atmosphere of clash with British and Irish Lions