‘I’ve got a lot more to give’ – Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii keen to move outside of his comfort zone for Waratahs
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action for the Waratahs and Wallabies (inset).
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has revealed that he is keen to move outside of his comfort zone as he aims to make a big impact during the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 22-year-old made a sensational switch from rugby league to union at the end of 2024 and hit the ground running with some outstanding performances at outside centre for the Wallabies during that year’s Autumn Nations Series Tests.
Suaalii had 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.
However, when he joined the Waratahs for their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, he was used primarily at full-back although he only made six appearances for the Sydneysiders as his participation in that competition was limited due to injuries.
Fine Wallabies form rewarded
He continued to shine in the number 13 jersey for the Wallabies and his fine form in the Test arena was rewarded when he was named Rookie of the Year at the Rugby Australia Awards function in Sydney late last year.
The Waratahs will kick off their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign against the Reds at the Allianz Stadium on February 13 and Suaalii is determined not to rest on his laurels this season.
“I feel like you’ve always got to change. You’ve always got to adapt and you can’t do the same thing,” he told reporters.
“This is my sixth year playing professionally and you’ve got to change. You’ve got to find different ways to innovate and find different ways to get better and better.
Preparing ‘for a big year’ with the Waratahs
“You can’t just be stale and stay on the same thing. I’ve spent a lot of time off feet, just to reset and keep my feet on the ground going into the year, making sure my body and my mind is right for a big year.”
Despite playing in different positions for the Waratahs and Wallabies, Suaalii is keeping an open mind ahead of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season as he trains across the backline in a bid to improve.
“I’ve been training in all different positions, [whether it’s] full-back, wing, centre,” he revealed.
“I like to play a style where I can play in any position, and I feel like I’ll be playing in different positions this year as well.
“I feel like each game that I try to do is to get better and better. I’ve always said I feel like I’m still just touching the brim of what I can do on a rugby field.
“I know I’ve got a lot more to give, but that’s the work I’ve got to put into the game and the work and understanding teammates and understanding how they play the game and how they want to receive the ball.
“The same goes for how they can unlock me as well, so I still feel like I’m hitting the brim.”
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