Joseph Suaalii Eyes European Tour with Wallabies as NRL Season Ends
High-Priced Recruit’s Transition to Rugby Union
Australian rugby’s latest high-profile signing, Joseph Suaalii, is poised for a significant career shift as he wraps up his time with the Sydney Roosters and prepares to join the Wallabies. Suaalii, a standout in the National Rugby League (NRL), is set to make his debut in rugby union with the New South Wales Waratahs and potentially the Wallabies, with the European tour at the end of the year in his sights.
Suaalii’s Focus on the Roosters
While Suaalii’s transition to rugby union looms, he has been focused on his current NRL responsibilities. The 21-year-old outside back has been busy preparing for the Roosters’ upcoming clash with Penrith in the NRL playoffs, indicating his full commitment to his current team. Despite the Wallabies’ recent 67-27 loss to Argentina, Suaalii has remained focused on his immediate rugby league commitments, noting he had not followed the game closely due to his preparation for the playoffs.
A Promising Future in Rugby Union
Suaalii, who signed a lucrative three-year contract with the New South Wales Waratahs worth A$5 million ($3.34 million) in 2023, is confident about his impending transition to rugby union. Although he has yet to play a professional match in the 15-man code, Suaalii is optimistic about his role in Joe Schmidt’s squad. “I’m going on that (Wallabies) spring tour at the end of the year, I know that, but I’m not sure when my first game will be,” he said.
Learning from Peers
Suaalii’s shift to rugby union has been informed by his conversations with former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who recently made an impressive debut in the NRL. Nawaqanitawase’s successful switch to rugby league has provided Suaalii with valuable insights into transitioning between codes. “You saw Mark, what he did. He came across and he looks natural, so hopefully I can do the same,” Suaalii commented.
Anticipating the New Experience
As Suaalii prepares for his move, he looks forward to the new experiences that come with playing rugby union. “I feel like the travel is something I’m looking forward to as a 21-year-old man,” he said, reflecting on the exciting journey ahead. Suaalii’s transition is eagerly anticipated by both rugby union and rugby league fans, who are keen to see how his talents translate across the codes.
Conclusion
Joseph Suaalii’s move from NRL star to rugby union prospect is a highly anticipated event in Australian sport. As he focuses on finishing his NRL season strong, the rugby union world awaits his debut with the New South Wales Waratahs and his potential inclusion in the Wallabies’ European tour. Suaalii’s journey highlights the dynamic nature of rugby in Australia and the excitement surrounding the blending of talents across different codes.