Wallabies squad: Joe Schmidt calls up $5m recruit as powerhouse duo Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi return, veteran omitted

Dylan Coetzee 22 Oct 2024 7:55 AM

Split with Will Skelton, Samu Kerevi and Joseph Suaalii

Former NRL star Joseph Suaalii has been named in the Wallabies squad despite not even having made his professional rugby union debut while head coach Joe Schmidt has called on overseas duo Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi.

Suaalii’s rugby union career is set to start off with a bang as all eyes will be on the multi-million dollar recruit who has already impressed some of his teammates in training last week.

Veteran duo returns

The other big news is the inclusion of Skelton and Kerevi who are both based overseas. Schmidt has looked towards the local talent for the most part of his tenure with Marika Koroibete being the only foreign-based player used by the Wallabies this year.

There are two other uncapped players outside of Suaalii with Waratahs pivot Tane Edmed getting the nod from Schmidt as has Western Force outside back Harry Potter who English fans will know from his time in the Premiership with Leicester Tigers.

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The remainder of the players for the most part have been involved in the Australian set-up this season already as Schmidt looks for continuity ahead of the tour where they face England Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Schmidt said: “The squad has had a chance to regenerate over the last few weeks. At the same time, it was good to catch up with a wider group of players in the two-day training hubs we had in Canberra and Brisbane last week.”

“We have a relatively consistent group but will integrate a few new players on tour.”

The selection had to consider an Australia XV squad who will also travel north to battle with Bristol and England A.

“Trying to balance opportunities for players, some recent squad members will get much needed game time with Australia XV, which also enables us to broaden our cohort of players in what will be highly competitive fixtures,” said Schmidt.

A notable exclusion from the squad is winger Koroibete. The speedster has been released from the squad in order to prepare for the upcoming Japan Rugby League One season.

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Wallabies squad

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

Backs: Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Samu Kerevi, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph Suaalii, Nic White, Tom Wright