Joseph Suaalii, a prominent new addition to Australian rugby, is nearing the end of his time with the Sydney Roosters and is looking ahead to a possible debut with the Wallabies. Suaalii is expected to join the Wallabies for their season-ending European tour, despite having no prior professional experience in rugby union. He remains confident, drawing motivation from former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase’s successful switch from rugby league.
At 21, Suaalii is focused on finishing the current NRL season with the Roosters, while also preparing for his rugby union journey. He is a strong contender for coach Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies squad, which will travel to Europe for their final matches of the season. Despite the Wallabies’ recent heavy 67-27 defeat to Argentina, Suaalii has kept his attention on his upcoming NRL playoff against Penrith.
In a recent media interview, Suaalii admitted he missed the Wallabies’ match but noted their impressive first-half performance and later struggles. Having started his professional career with the Roosters before turning 18, Suaalii signed a lucrative three-year contract with the New South Wales Waratahs in 2023, paving the way for his transition to rugby union and a potential future with the Wallabies.
Though he has yet to play professionally in the 15-a-side rugby format, Suaalii is eager to join Schmidt’s team. Inspired by Mark Nawaqanitawase’s smooth move from league to union, the young star is optimistic about his prospects as he looks forward to the next chapter in his sporting career.
