Australia head coach Joe Schmidt insists the time is now to learn if Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii can become a cross-code star after giving him his Test debut against England.
Suaalii will make his first appearance for the Wallabies since switching from rugby league less than a month ago with all eyes now on the gifted 21-year-old centre in Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium.
It took a reported £2.7million to lure the 6’5” giant away from the NRL, where he had spent three seasons at Sydney Roosters and made one appearance for New South Wales in State of Origin.
But while making his name in league, a player described as a teen prodigy already has high-level union experience accumulated by playing for Australia Schoolboys and Under-18s.
“Everything’s a risk, but I would challenge that with everything’s an opportunity,” Schmidt said
“And it’s a fantastic opportunity for a young man who’s really excited about getting the chance.
“There are four Test matches left this year before we embark on a massive series against the British and Irish Lions next year. So if not now, when? We’ve got to find out some time
“It’s unlikely it’ll go perfectly, but it will be a benchmark that he can build from.
“He’s meticulous with his planning before he even gets to his preparation. He makes sure that he ticks all the boxes. He asks a lot of questions.
“Most guys who come in, they’re relatively shy. He is a very humble young man, but he is very forthright about his preparation, and that gives us confidence.
“He’s had plenty of experience both playing rugby union and league so that gives us and Joseph confidence that, hopefully, he can hit the ground running in a couple of days’ time.
“He played through the age grades. He’s known to the players and he knows the players. He knows the game.”
Suaalii’s selection in midfield is the only change to the starting XV that fell to a 33-13 defeat by New Zealand in the final round of the Rugby Championship in September.
Will Skelton was not considered due to injury, so Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams continue in the second row.
— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 7, 2024
Australia team to play England
Forwards: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Taniela Tupou, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (Captain)
Backs: 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Noah Lolesio, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii*, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 15 Tom Wright
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen
* Denotes uncapped player