"A Dream of Mine" – Joseph Suaallii: former NRL star reacts to Player of the Match Wallabies debut against England

11/11/2024 11:24 AM

Joseph Suaalii was firmly in the spotlight for this past weekend’s Autumn Nations Series match between England and Australia, with the former rugby league star making his debut for the Wallabies. Suaalii was still in school when he last played a game of rugby union, yet the centre did not miss a beat as he was named Player of the Match following Australia’s dramatic 42-37 win at the Allianz Stadium.

Suaalii was involved in two important tries for Australia, and arguably the most important areal contest of the match. The former Sydney Rooster’s highlights reel included an offload assist for Tom Wright’s first half try, constantly pressurising Maro Itoje at the kick-offs, and finding Max Jorgensen out wide for the match-winning try in the final play of the game.

Suaalii was rightfully bestowed the Player of the Match award for his efforts, and spoke to the media following his triumphant return to rugby union. Arriving in the mix zone donning his debut Wallabies cap and aboriginal flower garland, Suaalii was grateful for the opportunity, and praised his family who motivated him to pursue a career outside of Australia’s NRL

“100%, it was always a dream of mine to come and play overseas. My old man’s always, said to me about that it’s a big world out there, and rugby brings that. Just to play today, honestly, was special.”

“I was just saying that, you know my old man, he actually took me to a game in 2003 (Rugby World Cup) I think I was only a month old, England versus Samoa, and I was at the top of the crowd. And the crowd was were singing loud. And, yeah, just to see him in the crowd today, and to go see him before, my old man and my mom. They’ve been at every professional game I’ve played, so it’s always special to see them.”

“It was my first time representing Australia. Yeah, my Grandpa come over from Cambodia, and my old man come over from Samoa. I’ve got six sisters and a brother, and we all live in Australia, in a safe country. So just, to represent Australia for the first time in a professional arena, was very special moment for myself and my family.”

Despite this Autumn Test against England being the first professional game of rugby union for Suaalii, the 21-year-old was ready for the challenge and felt right at home. Whilst there were no longer ‘six tackle turnovers’ or ‘chicken scratch rucks’ in the union side of the sport, the former Samoa rugby league international took to the Wallabies Test with great aplomb, and expressed how his mindset helped him become best prepared.

“I was just ready for anything. Just with my mindset, I want to play. I don’t want to sit and wait. That’s the best way I’ve learned, just get on the field and just play. So you know, when Joe (Schmidt) gave me that nod, that I was going to play, it was a very, very emotional time, but also knew that I had to get a job done.”

“I think there’s a lot of things (different), especially playing league. You kind of just naturally have this instinct of playing the league game for turning back and learning the breakdown and, you know, punching the ball back to the boys. I feel like that’s just the biggest thing change wise. But I played the game at school, so I felt very comfortable out there today.”

Suaalii then broke down the specific weapon in his skillset, that helped the Wallabies towards a memorable win at the Allianz Stadium. This match stood as Australia’s third victory against England since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with the tide possibly set to turn in the Anglo-Aussie rivalry. Suaalii’s proficiency at winning the re-starts was pivotal to this success, with his jumping ability showcased to the 82,000 in attendance.

“One of his (Maro Itoje) strengths is the air, and I know that’s one of my strengths too, and I’ll back myself against anyone up in the air. I know that’s one of my strengths in this game. And yeah, anytime that ball is in the year, I know I’m going to get it.”

“Honestly, it goes back to the kick as well, back to Donno (Ben Donaldson) with the kicks. If they don’t get put up in the right spot, I can’t contest for it. But, there was a lot of practice throughout the week just to keep it right.”

Up next for Suaalii and the Wallabies is a battle against Wales, with Warren Gatland’s side in the midst of a tough run of 10 consecutive losses. Wales suffered a defeat to Fiji this past weekend, in what was the first win at the Principality Stadium for the Pacific Island side.

Just moments after coming off the pitch against England, Suaalii already had his sights set on the incoming Test with Wales and expects a fired up Welsh dragon to meet his Wallabies this weekend.

“I feel like it’s gone real quick. I feel like I’ve just finished the league season. It’s only been, like, a month and a bit, I think, since I’ve finished there. And it honestly just goes fast. But I think the whole time was just taking it day by day, and just soaking everything up and just learning as much as I can. There’s a lot of growth in my game from today. I know that I was looking forward to playing against Wales.”

“It was great. It was great win. But like I’ve said to the boys, it’s just one game before, so yeah, just straight on to the next one. But obviously, enjoy our moment here. But yeah, we still have a game against Wales next week.”

The post “A Dream of Mine” – Joseph Suaallii: former NRL star reacts to Player of the Match Wallabies debut against England appeared first on Ruck.