Suaalii to go straight from NRL finals to Spring Tour

NSW and Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is off to Europe with the Wallabies. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has confirmed he will embark on the Wallabies' Spring Tour, opening the door for a Test debut just over a month after the NRL grand final.

Suaalii insists his focus remains firmly on the Roosters ahead of Friday's qualifying final against Penrith, in what looms as his last weeks at the NRL club.

But he has already been told by Rugby Australia that he will be part of the group for the tour, which begins with a Test against England at Twickenham on November 10.

If selected for any of the matches against England, Wales, Scotland or Ireland, it will mean Suaalii makes his Test debut before playing any other form of senior rugby.

But after playing the sport as a teenager, Suaalii said he would have no issue going straight into the Test arena in the 15-man game.

"I am honestly not sure (when my first game will be), but I am going on that Spring Tour at the end of the year," Suaalii said.

"There is no Super Rugby (before that). I know once I finish here I will be straight into it.

"Footy is footy. It's a footy ball at the end of the day. It's just about playing.

"You saw Mark (Nawaqanitawase) and what he did when he come across (to the Roosters and debuted last week).

"He looks natural. So hopefully I will be the same."

Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Mark Nawaqanitawase crashes over against Souths for his first NRL try.

Suaalii said he had not watched the Wallabies' 67-27 pummelling from Argentina last weekend, and did not know if he would return to the NRL once his $5 million three-year Rugby Australia contract ends.

Whether Suaalii does debut in Europe remains to be seen.

There are no shortage of wing options for coach Joe Schmidt, Japan-based star and fellow former NRL talent Marika Koroibete one of the team's most valuable players in recent years.

Two-time World Cup player Jordan Petaia, able to fill most backline positions, is off-contract and mulling a crack at the NFL while Nawaqanitawase has already crossed the void.

Max Jorgensen, a 20-year-old whose father Peter was a dual-code star, made his starting debut on the wing in the Wallabies' most recent Test.

Argentina touring members Corey Toole, Dylan Pietsch, the injured Filipo Daugunu, and untried 20-year-old Reds sensation Tim Ryan ensure there are plenty more queuing up for a chance.

Andrew Kellaway has also spent time on the wing but started the last Test at fullback in place of the injured Tom Wright, who solidified his standing as the best Australian-based No.15 with a brilliant season this year for the ACT Brumbies.

Veteran Kurtley Beale's comeback hit a snag when he ruptured his achilles, while classy Reds fullback Jock Campbell is waiting for his chance.

Joseph Suaalii.
Joseph Suaalii attempts to break free from a tackle by Eels winger Shaun Russell.

Suaalii said he had spent time talking rugby with Nawaqanitawase, but little of that had been in relation to the challenges he would face on field.

"I have asked him a little bit of questions, he has asked me a few too," Suaalii said.

"I feel like it's a natural conversation, it's going to come up. But it's just been about what is the travel or training like. Nothing really in depth.

"It's mostly just the travel, that is something I am looking forward to as a 21-year-old kid. I am going to go travel the world and experience different things."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store