Joe Schmidt’s ‘open-minded’ admission on Joseph Suaalii’s best position as Wallabies boss provides latest update on injured cross-code superstar
Joseph Suaalii in action for the Waratahs and Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt admits that Joseph Suaalii’s first professional season in rugby union has not been plain sailing, but is confident the cross-code star will make the British and Irish Lions Test series.
The 21-year-old made the switch from rugby league in October and was handed his international debut in November during Australia’s end-of-year tour.
Since then, Suaalii has plied his trade for the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific, impressing when given the opportunity, but his campaign has been disrupted by injury.
He was out of action for over a month between mid-February and late March before returning for the Sydney outfit’s clash against the Hurricanes.
Broken jaw
Suaalii then enjoyed a run of games in the competition but he broke his jaw against the Reds, ruling him out of the rest of the domestic season.
There were also concerns that the ex-NRL star would miss the Lions series, but Schmidt believes that he will still play a significant part in the Tests.
“The plan was for Joseph to play as much as possible, he’s transitioning and cross-coding, and it would have been great if he could have got a bit more time,” he told The Breakdown.
“He hurt himself earlier in the season, came back, was really starting to look impressive and unfortunately he got a little bit of friendly fire from Andrew Kellaway.
“It’s not too bad. He’s back in the gym, he’s recovering really well and I would be really confident he would be back in amongst the group, if not for the first Test then certainly during the series.”
Wallabies get MAJOR Joseph Suaalii boost ahead of British and Irish Lions series
Suaalii’s best position
Suaalii made his Test debut at outside centre – the toughest place to defence in rugby union – but he has played mostly at full-back for the Waratahs.
Schmidt was duly asked about where he viewed the 21-year-old long-term but the Wallabies boss simply wants to see him playing, irrespective of the position.
“It’s just being open-minded and seeing where best he fits compared to a few other guys that might pick up injuries,” he said.
“It’s a week-to-week decision even but we do want him to get comfortable in one position because he is learning to get into the right positions at the right time.
“Obviously, the breakdown is always difficult for someone who’s come across from league. That’s why we were very keen for him to not be cotton-woolled and to keep playing.
“One of the great things about 15 is you can see the whole game in front of you and it’s a great way to learn the game as fast as possible.
“Even [Waratahs head coach] Dan [McKellar] rang me and asked what I thought and said: ‘Where do you want him to play?’ I don’t care as long as he’s getting the game time.”
