3 minute read

His Wallabies' squad mates have been impressed with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's first steps in international rugby - and believe he's ready for the England fray.

To end a week when November 5th fireworks are traditionally launched in England, the big sporting question is whether the Wallabies are really going to dare ignite their own expensive, shiny new rocket in the den of their old foes.

It's not that anyone here really doubts that, in Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Australia have a multi-million dollar recruit with the rare talent, oval-ball pedigree and big-match appetite to excel in his much anticipated, code-skipping enterprise.

But the one question that keeps being asked is: can the NRL comet really be ready, as an absolute beginner in senior rugby, to be plunged effectively, even from the bench, into Saturday's Twickenham maelstrom?

Of course, Suaalii is going to get a run over the next month, but might it be better to uncork him later in the tour after he's had more time to become embedded in the Wallabies' ways than a potentially brutal baptism in what feels like the most demanding launch to their grand slam quest.

As coach Joe Schmidt prepares to put everyone out of their guessing game misery when announcing his team tomorrow, Suaalii's teammates already seem in no doubt. 

He's ready, they say.

"You've seen him play Origin, you've seen him play in the top level of rugby league, and even though it's a different game, the translation of how he competes is there. Physically, he's there. He's ready," declares the 21-year's potential centre partner and mentor Samu Kerevi.

"He's looking good," chips in assistant coach Geoff Parling.

"Been really impressed with him. An incredible athlete, and a bit different in that you get some guys who are fresh into this sort of environment, and are not used to the big occasion - well he is. 

"And in terms of his application, his prep, I couldn't be more impressed with how he's applied himself so far."

That mantra is repeated by Wallaby after Wallaby at their training camp on the banks of the Thames. What's impressed every one of them is not only the talent, it's the assiduous way Suaalii is relearning the game he graced as a teenager.

Parling was in the England team when another rugby league luminary, Sam Burgess, switched codes to play union for his country amid similar hoopla, but he reckons Suaalii is better positioned to make an instant impact.

"I do feel it's slightly different to Sam, because Joseph played Union at school. So he has a decent union background, and he's younger than Sam was when making the switch," says Parling.

"I honestly couldn't be more impressed with him the way he's been so far. Certainly, as a professional, as a human, he's been really good. He's just slotted in seamlessly."

Kerevi has been struck by the former Roosters star's sheer professionalism - and also by his similarity to another league convert who went on to shine for the Wallabies, Israel Folau. 

"Even as a 21 year old, he reminds you, in bits and pieces, of Izzy," noted Kerevi.

"From when I played with Izzy in Japan, I've spoken to Izzy about him a lot, and they're close as well. 

"I know he's keen to get his hands on a Test jersey and he backs himself, which is what you want. 

"His attention to detail is really good, because he wants to learn the game more, know his role really well and execute it, especially under Test lights. He's been hitting me with questions all week … I'm excited for him."

And the sport is just as excited to see him.