Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was recognised as Rugby Australia’s Rookie of the 12 months after 12 months within the 15-player sport, however the code-hopper insisted it’s all in regards to the staff forward of the Wallabies’ five-Take a look at Spring Tour.
Suaalii put pen to paper on a multi-year cope with Rugby Australia in 2023 earlier than making the transfer throughout codes about 19 months later. On debut for the Wallabies, Suaalii obtained Participant of the Match honours in an exciting 42-37 win over England final November.
It was a efficiency that had the rugby world speaking for the subsequent week, with Suaalii additionally making appearances in opposition to Wales, Scotland and Eire. Suaalii hadn’t performed any Super Rugby Pacific or Shute Defend then, however would debut for the NSW Waratahs in 2025.
On the finish of the Tremendous Rugby Pacific season, Suaalii was named within the official Group of the 12 months at fullback forward of Will Jordan and Tom Wright. The previous NRL flyer has been in rugby’s headlines virtually each week throughout a memorable rookie season.
SVNS Collection stars Aden Ekanayake and Mackenzie Davis have been additionally finalists for Rookie of the 12 months on the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards, and so too was Wallaroos winger Waiaria Ellis, nevertheless it was Suaalii’s identify that learn out on stage.
“I don’t play the sport for awards. I solely play to win as a staff. That’s how I see it,” Suaalii advised RugbyPass and Rugby.com.au.
“Profitable this award is a mirrored image of the staff serving to me… something I do is only for the staff.”
Suaalii hasn’t missed a Take a look at for the Wallabies since debuting in opposition to England, which included three begins in opposition to the British & Irish Lions. The midfielder’s second of the collection was a big break up subject within the second Take a look at, earlier than establishing Wright for a strive on the MCG.
Below coach Joe Schmidt, Suaalii performed the total 80 within the Wallabies’ first 5 Exams of the 12 months, which included a miraculous comeback win over two-time defending Rugby World Cup champions the Springboks at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park.
The 22-year-old scored three tries in two matches in opposition to Los Pumas, earlier than beginning two Bledisloe Cup Exams in opposition to the All Blacks. Suaalii and the Wallabies are actually in Japan forward of a conflict with the Courageous Blossoms this weekend.
Australia may even face England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, Italy in Udine, Ireland on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and France at Stade de France in Saint-Denis throughout their Spring Tour.
“Largest problem? Most likely simply getting used to the journey,” Suaalii mirrored.
“In league you don’t actually journey internationally and prepare there.
“For myself, that’s most likely been the largest problem nevertheless it’s been thrilling too so all the time up for a problem.”
