The Debate: Where is Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's best position?

Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 7:30 AM
LW
by Lachie Grey and Nathan Williamson
Joseph Suaalii and Max Jorgensen go to work

NSW Waratahs and Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is one of the most hyped players in recent memories, ever since his arrival in Rugby Union.

Suaalii debuted for the Waratahs at fullback after bursting onto the scene in the midfield for the Wallabies.

Watch every Super Rugby Pacific match live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

The 21-year-old is a unicorn, able to play across the backline and make a difference.

So this poses a question: Where is Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii best suited to?

Rugby.com.au's writers pick a side and tackle the (multi) million dollar question in this week's 'The Debate'

Lachlan Grey (@Lachie_Grey)
BACK THREE

The back three was where a young Suaalii first dazzled the Australian sporting landscape - and right now it's where he must hone his 15-a-side skillset.

While his Wallabies debut was at outside centre, Suaalii played most of his junior rugby with The King's School across wing and fullback along with his early stint in the 13-man code.

At 196cm and 98kg, Suaalii is a powerful threat both sides of the ball and could easily handle himself in the midfield - but why use your Ferrari to crash through a wall when you can speed around it?

Suaalii is too damaging in the air and in a one-on-one situation out wide to be used as a crash-and-bash centre where he'll regularly face two-man tackles, increased ruck pressure, greater physical tolls and backrowers hungry for ribs.

Why not let him learn his craft - especially his kicking game defensive positioning - in the Waratahs backfield where he can be supported by Wallabies regulars Andrew Kellaway and Max Jorgensen?

That back-three combination would rank among Super Rugby Pacific's best and give Suaalii the time to sharpen his skillsets and mind across both wings and fullback with established Test stars.

Sugar-hit fans might not like it but if we're serious about getting the best return on investment, we need to protect Suaalii's body by getting him the ball in space, not using him as a gold-crusted battering ram.

Honestly, this writer would prefer to see him play a full season on the wing and learn to float across fullback before even handing him the sky blue 15 - throwing him into the midfield is deep-end, chicks-out-the-nest stuff.

Nathan Williamson (@NathJWilliamson)
MIDFIELD

The centres is the best fit for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the moment to maximise his game.

We saw what the superstar could do against England, dazzling at Twickenham alongside Len Ikitau.

It's a partnership that worked wonderfully and one that needs to be explored heading into the Lions tour.

Moving Suaalii back into the centres for the Waratahs will give him enough time to master the defensive side of the game whilst ensuring he is constantly involved in the game.

Given their personnel, it is also the right fit for the Waratahs. The side is stacked with outside backs, leaving Darby Lancaster to come off the bench and Triston Reilly out of the side.

Shifting Suaalii to 13 allows Lalakai Foketi to move back to inside centre, Lancaster to move onto the wing, and Walton to be the ultimate finisher. He can cover both centre positions and fullback at a stretch, spending time there under Darren Coleman.

The Waratahs depended too much on Suaalii to win high balls and make plays against the Highlanders, resulting in some costly mistakes that were taken advantage of by Caleb Tangitau.

A move inside could be the perfect remedy and balancer for not only their attack but also Suaalii himself, helping him find his feet and develop into a bigger superstar.

Share
'Only place I wanted to be': Captain Wilson signs long-term extension for Reds, Wallabies
'Honoured' Van Nek signs two-year extension with the Brumbies
Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific: Ten players to target in Round Two
"Chomping at the bit": McDermott raring for Moana challenge as Wright eyes Round 3 return