Wallabies star Joseph Suaalii makes ‘nerves’ admission ahead of British and Irish Lions tour
Wallabies centre Joseph Suaalii on debut game.
Wallabies star Joseph Suaalii admits he was nervous of missing the British and Irish Lions series after suffering a fractured jaw, but has declared he will be ready to go come July.
The former rugby league star, who made his professional rugby union debut in the Green and Gold jersey against England, suffered a fractured jaw on Waratahs duty and was a major doubt for the series as a result.
‘I’ll be fully fit’ – Suaalii
Speaking to members of the media at Targona Zoo, the versatile back declared he will be ‘fully fit’ come the series next month.
“Yeah (the jaw is) good. My face was really big for a bit, I had to wear a face mask everywhere, but it’s slowly coming back now and it’s going well,” said Suaalii.
He added: “I’ll be fully fit. Obviously I’ve had a toe injury then did my jaw and had a concussion as well, but it’s all part of my growth as a human and a rugby player. It’s all part of the game.”
The timing and severity of the injury meant he was a major doubt heading into the Test series, which begins at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 19th July, and he also admitted he was concerned he might miss the series.
“I was a little bit (concerned). It’s such an important time for myself and Australian rugby, and I want to be playing. There were a little bit of nerves, but I’m feeling pretty good going into the Lions.”
He also revealed he lost five kilograms during his stint on the sidelines, but is now back to playing condition thanks to the support of his family.
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“I lost around five kilograms, but I’ve put it all back on now. I’ve been eating heaps thanks to my mum and my family around me to get me back on track. Going back home, there’s always food there, so it’s good I’ve put it back on.”
Fiji Test
While the focus for the Wallabies, and now Suaalii, will be firmly on the upcoming Lions series, they begin their mid-year international campaign with a clash against Fiji, and the Waratahs star declared he is aiming to be involved in that Test as well, despite missing the end of the Super Rugby season.
“100%, I’m looking to play that Test.”
His return to full fitness will undoubtedly be a major boost to head coach Schmidt, but it yet again throws up a major selection headache as well.
Suaalii donned the number 13 jersey during the November Tests against England, Scotland and Ireland, and was also deployed in midfield from the bench against Wales, but has shifted to full-back this Super Rugby season with the Tahs, where he was named in the honorary Super Rugby Team of the Season.
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