He’s the prized recruit in Australian rugby but tryscoring machine Suliasi Vunivalu is under no illusions that he’s a walk-up starter for the Wallabies.
Fresh from helping the Melbourne Storm to another NRL premiership, the 24-year-old arrived at Wallabies camp on Wednesday.
But save for a string of injuries, the Fijian-flyer will have his wings clipped for the time being with Dave Rennie intent on purely fast-tracking his return to the game he played as a youngster by bringing him into camp on a training role only.
That’s fine for Vunivalu, who cut short his celebrations following the Storm's title win and said he was more than happy to bide his time and use the next month as an opportunity to learn.
“It’s not going to be easy (to win a place in the side),” Vunivalu told reporters from the squad's base at the Hunter Valley.
“I have to work hard for that spot, or whatever spot they put me in.
“I respect players that have been here in camp. I’m in no rush. I’m just here to learn and get a few basic things right.”
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👋 Welcome Suli!
— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 13, 2020
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Vunivalu’s arrival to Australian rugby only increases the depth the Wallabies have in the position.
After all, it was less than a week ago that Tom Wright had a memorable debut against the All Blacks and his wing-partner Marika Koroibete, who played one season alongside Vunivalu at the Storm, had arguably his finest display in a Wallabies jersey.
But there’s no doubt that Vunivalu’s arrival has got Rennie licking his lips.
The Fijian scored 86 tries during his five-year stint with the Storm, including a stunning intercept try in last month’s NRL final win over the Panthers, and his athleticism and sheer pace has the ability to become yet another weapon for the Wallabies out wide.
He’s the latest NRL convert to arrive in Australia rugby and if he can replicate the feats that Israel Folau, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers accomplished on the field the Wallabies will dearly benefit.
But don’t mention those names just yet.
“I don’t want to think about that too much because it might get me too excited,” the smiling, well-spoken winger said.
“It’s good because I’ve played rugby union before. It’s our No.1 sport back in Fiji so that will help me transition back easily.”
😎 Debut. First touch. TRY. The dream.
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As a youngster growing up in Fiji, Vunivalu played at outside centre and on the wing before winning a scholarship to complete his schooling at Saint Kentigern College as a 16-year-old.
It was in New Zealand that he was “chucked” on the wing like all the other “Fijians” and eventually was a part of the Blues’ academy alongside Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Irae Simone, before being scouted by the Storm.
Mid-year Vunivalu was in two minds about joining the financially stricken code after signing a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.
But with another NRL premiership ring in his pocket, Rugby Australia securing a broadcast deal, and having experienced a taste of the Wallabies after being invited to their training camp, Vunivalu said he wasn’t having any second doubts.
“I’m really enjoying it right now,” he said.
“At the moment I’m just trying to focus on learning as much as I can and I’m looking forward to my future next year with the Reds.”
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