Named in the Wallabies' 34-man squad for the Autumn Nations Series despite having never played a senior game of rugby union, Suaalii could be set to make his mark on the international stage. Here's what you need to know about the player who Australia have pinned their hopes on.
Early life and rugby beginnings: Born in Penrith, New South Wales, Suaalii attended The King's School in Parramatta, the oldest independent school in Australia, whose alumni include former Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and Dean Mumm. This is where he first showcased his exceptional talent, and in 2019 he was part of the Australia U18 team that beat New Zealand Schools. He had the rugby world at his feet, in both codes, when he opted to sign for the Sydney Roosters at 17 years old. His early years in rugby league saw him become a standout winger for the NRL side, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.
Two years after signing for the Roosters, he was featuring for Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup final - despite having initially been expected to play for the Kangaroos - having played a starring role throughout the tournament from fullback. He has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin, one of Australia's most popular sporting events.
The code switch: In a bold move, Suaalii signed a lucrative three-year deal with Rugby Australia in March 2023 - $5m Aussie dollars have been bandied about - leaving behind a hugely promising NRL career. Australia head coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged the noise around the switch head-on: "I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't conscious of the big deal that he's on and the profile that he has because you can't not be aware of that. But what our responsibility is, is to try to help him become the best rugby player and contributor to the team that he can be." Suaalii has said his decision was driven by the allure of playing in prestigious mega rugby events like the British and Irish Lions tour and the 2027 Rugby World Cup, both of which will be played on home soil.
Wallabies debut and expectations: Joe Schmidt has fast-tracked Suaalii into the senior squad, bypassing the concurrent Australia XV tour to prepare him for the upcoming tests against England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland - all of which will be shown live on TNT Sports this November. Schmidt believes that Suaalii's elevation is the "best runway possible" for his development. For Australia, this campaign represents a huge test of their elite status going into a Lions year, and if they needed reminding of any golden era for the green and gold jersey, this November will be the 40th anniversary of their victorious Grand Slam tour of the Home Nations.
On-field impact: Suaalii's versatility as an outside back and his ability to beat defenders make him a valuable asset for the Wallabies. It's expected that he will play in the centres, but wherever he plays, his inclusion in the squad has generated significant excitement among fans and experts alike, with many predicting a bright future for the young star.
