Joseph Suaalii’s switch from rugby league to union has stirred up plenty of speculation about his future role with the Wallabies but the 21-year-old remains unfazed about where he’ll line up.
Suaalii spoke openly this week at a training hub in Canberra about the move and accepts that where he plays is still a decision to be made as he adapts to the 15-man game.
Suaalii played as a winger and fullback in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters but has yet to settle on his position in rugby union after several years out of the game. His speed and aerial ability make him a natural fit for fullback or wing but his large 6’5 frame also opens up possibilities in the centres.
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“It’s just about learning each day, you know?” he told reporters. “Just sitting down, going through film, and just little things, just to learn.” Despite the steep learning curve, he expressed confidence in his ability to adjust to whatever role he’s given. “I’ve played the game before, and I’m very confident in my abilities.
“Look, I’ve always been open to playing wing, fullback… If the coach put me anywhere, honestly. I feel like I’m just a footy player at the end of the day. Like, yeah, any position I’m ready to play. I don’t really have a preferred position.”
His past experience in rugby union as a schoolboy star has given him a solid foundation but he knows the international level is a different beast.
“I feel like I can bring my competitiveness on the field,” he said. “It starts by training every day, just getting in, competing, and then slowly progressing to the games.”
“Everyone wants to win,” he said. “I’m a competitor, and that’s what I want to do — win. Wherever I end up playing, that’s what I’m going to bring, that competitive edge.”
As for his thoughts on the Wallabies’ current form, the Penrith-born athlete believes the squad has a strong foundation despite their recent struggles under new head coach Joe Schmidt.
“I feel like we’ve got a lot of quality boys in the team,” he said. “We’ve had a couple of good games against Wales, but obviously, a couple of losses to South Africa, Argentina, and the All Blacks too.
“There’s a strong base here at the Wallabies, and I’m just very keen to be a part of the team. I’m very confident in the team too.”
“I just want to train hard, learn fast, and compete at the highest level,” he said. “I’m ready to bring that competitiveness wherever they need me on the field.”
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