Wallabies prop Angus Bell is confident the actions of new Wallabies squad member Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will silence his critics as they head to the UK.
Bell and Suaalii have rekindled their relationship from their schoolboy days as they room together in camp.
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“To see his professionalism at 21 years of age is insane. I know why he is how good he is," he told reporters.
“He's a good fella and I'm really looking forward to him being in and around the team and being a part of the team as well.”
Suaalii's inclusion without playing a Super Rugby game left critics to suggest the jersey was being 'cheapened', a concept rejected by Bell.
“I think all that stuff is just fluff from people trying to make headlines. We don't listen to that stuff and the proof's in the pudding. As soon as he steps on the field you'll see how cheap the jersey is,” Bell retorted.
“He's an insane athlete. You look at the way he moves, the way he touches the ball, the way he can kick. He's got every attribute to be a world class rugby player.
“Not just in Australia but probably one of the better ones in the world. He's only 21.
“He's super impressive, a super humble guy and I'm just looking forward to him proving people wrong. He's very driven and he wants success which is something we're trying to find.
“Joey's going to be a star, we all know that. He's transitioned so well and training really well too.”
The Wallabies are currently en route to England before their opening game of the Grand Slam tour against England on November 10.
“It's extremely exciting. Obviously haven't had one in a while and it's a great test before coming up next year for the Lions tour,” Bell said.
“We're really excited to test ourselves against the best teams in the world and we're looking to come away with four wins.
“We've got a few fellas back from different things so we're excited for that. We're just going to go over there and put our best foot forward and keep building as a team.”
