New recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is ready to show his capabilities in a gold jersey as he presses his case for selection.
Suaalii is in the nation’s capital with teammates from the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies as part of a two-day training hub led by the Wallabies coaches.
Catch every game of the Spring Tour live, ad-free and exclusive on Stan Sport.
There will be a separate hub in Queensland later in the week with Reds and Western Force players before Schmidt and the coaching staff name their Wallabies and Australia XV squads for their respective end-of-season tours in the coming weeks.
The 21-year-old is confident the four-year absence out of the game will not hinder his ability to make a difference if called upon.
“If they throw me in, I’m ready to go,” Suaalii told reporters.
“I’ve always backed myself playing footy. I’ll always back myself going against anyone.
“I’m very confident in my ability to play…at the end of the day, what I want to do is come play for the Waratahs and the Wallabies. That’s the goal and the aim and win games.”
The former Australia Schools star is open to all positions and either tour after playing across the backline during his career.
“I’ve always been open to playing centre, wing, full back. If the coach put me anywhere…any position I’m ready to play,” Suaalii said. “I don’t really have a preferred position.
“Wherever Joe puts me, I’m just putting my head down, learn as much as I can and just play footy.
“At the end of the day, it’s a game of footy, nothing else.”
Suaalii feels refreshed despite a long season in the NRL, getting away to Hamilton Island before throwing himself into the challenge.
“I needed rest from that NRL season. I think it’s a long, brutal season,” he notes.
“Now, it’s just about learning each day, just sitting down and going through film and just little things just to learn.
“I played the game before and I’m very confident in my abilities.”
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
