Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii made his mark on the rugby field Friday night, showcasing his talent during his Super Rugby debut for the NSW Waratahs against the Highlanders. The thrilling match, held at Allianz Stadium, saw the Waratahs pull off a stunning 37-36 victory, marked by dramatic lead changes and exhilarating play. Suaalii, the high-profile cross-code athlete, not only contributed to the team's success but also captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
From the opening whistle, it was evident Suaalii was no ordinary player. His presence on the field demonstrated the reason Rugby Australia invested significantly—a reported $5 million for his services. Expectations were high, and the 21-year-old did not disappoint. His first significant contribution came just two minutes in when he leaped high to claim a Jake Gordon box kick, solidifying his aerial threat almost instantly.
Following his impressive take, Suaalii continued to showcase his versatility throughout the match. His blend of size, speed, and skill proved to be decisive as he endeavored to keep the Waratahs competitive. Notably, he set up try-scoring opportunities, including one for Max Jorgensen, displaying his ability to influence the game beyond just his individual efforts. According to coach Dan McKellar, "I thought he was good," indicating Suaalii's commendable performance, though he expressed hope to see the ball in his hands even more.
The match itself was nothing short of electrifying, with the Waratahs recovering from numerous setbacks. At one point trailing after the Highlanders executed strong plays, the Waratahs managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat when Siosifa Amone scored the match-winning try just before the final whistle. Reflecting on the team's performance, McKellar stated, "We were far from perfect, but the nice thing is there's some harsh learnings we can review off the back of a win." This sentiment underlines the importance of overcoming challenges early in the season.
Despite the victory, Suaalii admitted he faced challenges transitioning from his previous NRL experience to the fullback position. "The intensity was more here in Super Rugby (than Test Rugby), if I’m being quite honest," he noted, underscoring the physical demands of his new role. He acknowledged some missteps, particularly with his positional play and aerial collections but remained focused on continuous improvement.
Fans were also treated to glimpses of what makes Suaalii electric. His first 30-metre burst showcased his sprinting ability, leaving defenders struggling to bring him down. Although the Highlanders scored first, Suaalii responded by generating momentum for the Waratahs, including laying the groundwork for several tries, leading to the team establishing and reclaiming leads through the match.
His performance was not lost on the crowd, with 16,034 fans witnessing the action—the highest attendance for the Waratahs since last season. Among those cheering him on were classmates, former Sydney Roosters teammates, and family. Suaalii expressed his happiness to perform at Allianz Stadium, stating, "It’s good to be playing back at Allianz. I don’t live too far away; it’s a place where I call home, so it’s good to be back playing here."
Reflecting on his role as both player and potential role model for young fans, he was spotted after the match climbing the stands to meet supporters, proving not only his athletic prowess but also his character.
Looking to future matches, following their bye week, the Waratahs will next face the Fijian Drua at home, marking another opportunity for Suaalii to build on his debut and continue contributing to the Waratahs' resurgence. "I know I’m good in the air, I know I can kick, I know I can run. But just building all the different aspects of my game is what I’m focusing on," he told reporters, emphasizing his dedication to growth and development.
The significant attention surrounding Suaalii reflects not only his individual talent but also the shifting dynamics of rugby and league within Australia. Rugby Australia is hopeful Suaalii’s success could encourage more league stars to cross over, potentially altering the fabric of Australian rugby. With his captivating presence, it seems Joseph Suaalii embodies the future of the Australian game, and as his debut demonstrated, he is just getting started.