Wallabies star gives candid verdict on multi-million dollar recruit Joseph Suaalii ahead of union debut
Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami, head coach Joe Schmidt and code hopper Joseph Suaalii.
The arrival of Joseph Suaalii in the rugby union code as well as the emergence of some impressive centres in Australia is set to provide Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt with a selection conundrum.
That is the word from experienced midfielder Hunter Paisami, who is on is way back from injury and training with fellow centres like Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook as part of the Wallabies Hub involving Reds and Western Force players this week.
Paisami suffered a MCL injury after the Wallabies‘ second Rugby Championship defeat to the Springboks in Perth and missed the clashes with Los Pumas in Argentina before returning for the last two matches against the All Blacks.
Stiff competition for Wallabies midfield positions
There is plenty of competition for midfield places in the Wallabies set-up with Stewart and Flook in the mix alongside the likes of Len Ikitau and Lalakai Foketi, who participated in training sessions at the two-time world champions’ Canberra Hub earlier this week.
Meanwhile, uncapped duo Joey Walton (Waratahs) and David Feliuai (Brumbies) have also been called up to Wallabies squads in 2024.
“It’s been competitive, everyone in the centres has been training well and playing well as well,” Paisami told reporters on Thursday.
“Pretty sure we’re giving Joe (Schmidt) a hard time to put names on a team sheet but for us it’s about being the best we can be.”
Apart from this year’s MCL issue, Paisami also had an injury-ravaged 2023 and sustained another knee injury early last year before missing out on selection to the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup campaign in France.
The arrival of Suaalii from rugby league is also something which Paisami is watching closely as the former Australian Schoolboys star could possibly slot into the centres, although his position in rugby union has not yet been decided as he could also play at full-back or on the wing.
Paisami is happy to be back to full fitness, is looking forward to seeing Suaalii in the game and hailed young prop Massimo De Lutiis after the 20-year-old was a surprise call-up to the Wallabies training session involving Reds and Force players.
“It’s been good to get some load back in it (the knee) and I’m grateful to be back in the mix for a gold jersey. It would mean a lot to be selected,” he said.
“We’re just trying to get those basics right and trying to look after that ball in the breakdowns, and also our momentum plans, knowing when to kick and turn teams around to put pressure back on them.
‘Obviously he’s a good player’
“I’ve heard a lot about Suaalii, obviously he’s a good player. I’m not sure where Joe would put him but I know whatever spot he’ll play, I know he’ll play well for the team.
“Guys like Mas (Massimo De Lutiis), I’ve watched him train the house down and he works his arse off,” Paisami added.
“When that opportunity comes for him, I know he’ll take it.”
