‘That’s probably been the biggest challenge’ – Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii makes candid admission after one year with the Wallabies
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action for the Wallabies and during a training session (inset).
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has reflected on his first year back in rugby union after returning to the 15-a-side code following a successful stint in rugby league.
The former Sydney Roosters star made the switch from the NRL to union this time last year, and was given his full professional debut at outside centre in the Wallabies’ 42-37 victory over England in their Autumn Nations Series Test at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
There were eyebrows raised in certain quarters when Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt selected Suaalii in that clash – as he had not played at Super Rugby level yet – but the big-money recruit more than repaid the faith in him with a brilliant performance.
Played mostly at full-back for the Waratahs
Suaalii continued to impress on the Wallabies’ end-of-year tour before making his Super Rugby Pacific bow at full-back for the Waratahs in February this year.
Despite wearing the number 15 jersey in most of the Waratahs’ matches this season, he returned to the outside centre position at Test level and combined brilliantly with John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau for Australia this year.
It was a night to remember for the Wallabies’ exciting midfield combination as apart from Ikitau being crowned Australia’s best men’s player at the annual Rugby Australia Awards, Suaalii was named Rookie of the Year.
Although he is delighted with the award that he has won, Suaalii’s greatest joy is the journey which he has been on over the past 12 months.
“We’ve had 12 days off, so it’s been great to reflect the whole year,” Suaalii told reporters on Friday night after receiving his award.
“It’s been a year since I’ve made my debut here… I’ve enjoyed the travel, I’ve enjoyed the playing group, I’ve enjoyed a lot of things that rugby brings.
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“Meeting new mates and playing the game as well, I’ve really enjoyed it.
‘We’ve really grown as a group’
“It’s been great since my first game at Twickenham, we’ve really grown as a group, like I was.
“We are growing as a team and we’re getting better by each session, each game, there’s a real trust and belief and it’s going really well.”
Despite shining at international level and already winning 14 Wallabies caps, Suaalii revealed that all the travelling he has done has been something which he’s found quite challenging since switching codes.
“[The biggest challenge is] probably just getting used to the travel, in league you don’t really travel across the world and train there,” he explained.
“For myself, that’s probably been the biggest challenge – but it’s been exciting too, so always up for a challenge.”
While he is happy with the individual award which he won at the Rugby Australia Awards, Suaalii was quick to downplay the achievement.
“I don’t play the game for awards,” he said. “I only play to win as a team, that’s how I see it.
“Winning this award is a reflection of the team helping me get this award, so anything I do is just for the team, and we’re really going well.”