Before he has even played a professional rugby union match, Joseph Sua’ali’i has revealed he will head to Europe when the Wallabies head overseas for their spring tour. The Sydney Roosters flyer is currently preparing for the NRL preliminary final against the Penrith Panthers.
Sualiyi signed a big-money contract with Rugby Australia in March last year, a deal that will see the rising star wear the NSW Waratahs’ famous sky blue jersey in Super Rugby Pacific. The 21-year-old is also expected to play a big role in next year’s British and Irish Lions series.
The standout utility back has signed a three-year contract with Rugby Australia, which begins in October. With the Wallabies set to embark on a holiday tour later this year, it seems like the right time for Sua’ali’i to join Joe Schmidt’s side.
Australia will play four home matches as part of their spring tour, starting with a game against England at Twickenham on November 10 (AEST) before moving to Dublin to face the world’s second-ranked team, Ireland, on December 1.
Without a doubt, it will be a tough series of tests for the Wallabies as they continue to prepare and build under coach Schmidt before facing the mighty Lions. Fans can expect to see some of the new faces in Australian rugby involved in some way.
“To be honest, I’m not sure (if I’ll play), but I’ll go on a spring tour later this year,” Suarez told reporters this week.
“There’s no Super Rugby (later this year). I know it’s going to start as soon as it’s over here. Footy is footy. At the end of the day, it’s footy ball. It’s just playing.”
Suali will be hoping to repeat the cross-code heroics headlined by new Roosters team-mate Mark Nawakanitawase after his move to the NRL. Nawakanitawase made his debut for the Tricolours last weekend and it hasn’t taken long for the winger to make an impact.
After playing for the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific and playing for the Australian men’s sevens team at the Paris Olympics, Nawaqaniatwase joined the Roosters to take up another sport. On his debut against South Sydney, the former Wallaby scored after just seven minutes.
Playmaker Luke Keery sent the ball across the field and Nawakaniawase leapt over Rabbitohs winger Tyrone Munro before crashing to the ground to score – a highlight that quickly went viral on social media.
Sualiyi has revealed the conversations the star duo have had since Nawakaniyatwase joined the Eastern Suburbs club, and the pair will effectively swap places in the coming months.
“You saw what Mark did when he showed up,” Suarli explained.
“He seems natural. So, hopefully, I’ll be the same way… I asked him a few questions, and he asked me a few questions.
“I think it’ll be a natural conversation. The story will come out.
“But the important thing is how the trip or training is.
“There’s nothing really deep. It’s mostly about traveling. As a 21-year-old, what I’m looking forward to is traveling. I want to travel the world and experience different things.”
