By Dean Wilsom
Superstar rugby league convert Joseph Suaalii is set to get his first taste of international rugby union in an ‘Ashes’ clash with England.
The big question is whether it will be a full blooded Test match against England at the Allianz Stadium or a week later on November 17th in a hotly anticipated ‘A’ fixture across the road at the Twickenham Stoop.
The 21-year old Suaalii has rapidly become the hottest rugby property Down Under after making a multi-million dollar code switch to sign up for the New South Wales Waratahs and the Wallabies following his time in league.
And with his journey in the 15-man game starting in the UK in November there is already a queue forming for those who want to see him in action, including former cross code legend Martin Offiah.
And having once been in a similar position, Offiah has a few words of wisdom for the latest ‘box-office’ dual code star.
“I remember the feeling when I was signed by Wigan. There was a lot of pressure on my shoulders,” said Offiah. “You do feel that and I was fortunate I was in a very strong team. It’s going to be tough for Joseph.
“The question is can he handle the subtleties of the sport? Physically and skill-wise he’s more than capable of coping with the rigours of rugby union. His skills will definitely transfer. As they did with Jason Robinson.
“I can’t wait to watch him play. Without a doubt, I’ll be tuning in. He’s box office. Australia are going to be a far more exciting team with him and that, of course, is what they’re banking on.”
It cost the Wallabies more than $5 million Aussie dollars to persuade Suaalii to make the switch so the pressure on him to deliver is huge.
But he showed no traces of nerves when speaking from a training camp in Canberra this month.
“If they throw me in, I’m ready to go,” Suaalii said. “I’ve always backed myself going against anyone so I’m very confident in my ability to play.”
Australia name their two squads to tour Europe on Tuesday and UK fans have been promised that they will be the first to see Suaalii in union action next month.
Wallabies assistant coach Laurie Fisher confirmed Suaalii will be heading this way before playing any Super Rugby, and reckons he will be unlocking defences from the word go.
“He’ll definitely be on the tour, which side he’ll be in or start in, I’m not certain at this stage,” said Fisher. “But he’ll definitely be over there and he’s obviously a huge part of the plan moving forward.
“He’s a quick learner and he’s hungry to be successful. He doesn’t overcomplicate the game which fits in with what we want to do.
“We talk a lot about eyes and feet. It’s about opportunities and threats, shutting them down, opening them up. I think he’ll be fantastic at that.”
England A will take on Australia A on Sunday 17th November at Harlequins Twickenham Stoop Stadium – 2:00 PM Kick Off. Tickets from only £25 for adults & £15 for kids visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk
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