Beauden Barrett ‘well aware’ of Joseph Suaalii’s ‘game-changing’ threat ahead of Super Rugby Pacific
Beauden Barrett of the Blues and Joseph Suaalii of the Waratahs.
Blues utility back Beauden Barrett expects new Wallabies sensation Joseph Suaalii to continue with his good form when playing for the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific in 2025.
Barrett and Suaalii were the centre of attention at the Super Rugby Pacific launch in Sydney on Wednesday and the All Blacks star revealed that he was impressed with how Suaalii performed while playing for Australia on their 2024 Grand Slam tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Former NRL star Suaalii signed a lucrative deal with Rugby Australia, thought to be around AUS$5.35 million, which will keep him in rugby union until at least the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“He changed the game for the Wallabies last year on the northern tour,” Barrett told Nine’s Wide World of Sports at the launch.
‘It was great to see him come from league and just play so well’
“As a rugby fan it was great to see him come from league and just play so well ā so we’re all aware in New Zealand what this guy can do with the ball.
“It’s great for the game and great for this competition.”
Despite shining at outside centre for the Wallabies during their Autumn Nations Series Tests, Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar named Suaalii at full-back for last weekend’s pre-season clash with the Brumbies in Bowral last weekend.
However, the 21-year-old was a late withdrawal ahead of that match due to knee soreness, something which he revealed was a precautionary measure.
“I just had a bit of a hiccup throughout the week (last week) but I’m going well now,” said Suaalii.
‘I’m all good’
“We’ve got training today so I’m back into that and I’m getting ready for next Friday. So I’m all good.”
Although New Zealand teams have dominated Super Rugby Pacific since its inception – with the Crusaders winning the first two tournaments in 2022 and 2023 and the Blues being crowned champions last year – Barrett expects a tougher challenge from the Australian teams in 2025.
“Obviously losing the Rebels, the other (Australian) teams have gained a lot of strength from that with players going to the various teams,” he explained.
“The Waratahs are looking fairly strong at this stage but it’s going to be a tough comp and we’re looking forward to getting into it.”
Super Rugby Pacific kicks off on Friday, February 14 when the Crusaders host the Hurricanes in Christchurch and the Waratahs face the Highlanders in Sydney later that day.
The defending champions, the Blues start their campaign the following day against the Chiefs in Auckland.
