Ex-Wallabies stars in agreement on big call regarding Joseph Suaalii who is not in a ‘perfect situation’
Ex-Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper (inset) and Joseph Suaalii in action for the Waratahs.
Morgan Turinui and Michael Hooper are in agreement that Wallabies star Joseph Suaalii is not producing his best performances when he plays as an outside centre.
The 22-year-old made a sensational switch from rugby league to union at the end of 2024 and hit the ground running with some excellent displays in the number 13 jersey for the Wallabies during that year’s Autumn Nations Series Tests.
However, when he joined the Waratahs for their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, he was used primarily at full-back by the Sydney-based outfit’s head coach Dan McKellar.
He only made six appearances for the Waratahs though as his participation at Super Rugby level was hampered by injuries.
Won Wallabies’ Rookie of the Year award
Suaalii would continue to shine at outside centre for Australia and his fine form was rewarded when he was named as the Wallabies’ Rookie of the Year for 2025.
He was also nominated for World Rugby’s men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2025, but All Blacks second-row Fabian Holland beat him to that prize.
His excellent displays at Test level resulted in McKellar using him exclusively at outside centre this year but although the Waratahs clinched impressive back-to-back victories against the Reds and Fijian Drua, Suaalii has not been at his best.
Ex-Wallabies centre Turinui believes the ‘Tahs are not getting the best out of Suaalii because he is not in the “perfect situation” at the moment.
“13 is his third best position and it’s fine, because of the balance,” Turinui said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts show. “They moved (Len) Ikitau to 12 at the Wallabies.
“They’ve got Tom Wright at full-back at the Wallabies. If Joe Schmidt thinks he’s a 13, and Les Kiss agrees, then the more he plays 13, the better, because they’re probably pot-committed about what position he’s playing now. He’s halfway to the World Cup and he’s played a lot there, so the Wallabies obviously think that they’ve got it right.
“Dan McKellar is trying to balance it, he’s got great options everywhere else. So maybe that’s where he fits for the ‘Tahs, but one, it’s not an easy position to play in attack or defence.
“Two, you are often the decoy for the back three players getting the ball.
“Happens a lot. They obviously move him back there (backfield) to catch some high balls as well a bit, so you move him around, but as soon as you have moving parts in a game, your error rate can go up as well, while you’re trying to figure it out.
‘Not a perfect situation for him’
“So, it’s just not a perfect situation for him.”
Although Turinui was primarily a centre during his playing days, he also featured on the wing at international level.
He urged rugby fans in Australia not to panic about Suaalii’s slow start to the season as he expects him to hit his straps soon.
“Effort, attitude, everything we’re seeing there, absolutely outstanding,” said Turinui.
“And feedback around training group and the environment, Waratahs, absolute leader of the first degree, outstanding. We’re just not quite getting the output in a 13 jersey.
“Winger would be the easiest position for him to play, full-back, well, I would think would be his best position, and 13 is a bit harder than those two.”
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Meanwhile, legendary Wallabies and Waratahs skipper and flanker Hooper echoed Turinui’s sentiments.
“I think he should be on the wing, or full-back,” he said.
“I don’t think he’s a 13 at Wallabies level either. Seeing other guys with his type of frame, they were better suited to the back three. So, I’m only going off the evidence that I had.
“I don’t think we’re seeing the value that he has to offer… I’m one of the many that would love to see Joseph in positions to make reads in defence – because the guy can hit as good as anyone – and then also getting the ball in hand in open space.
“So it’s a matter of time. Still, I’m convinced it’s going to work out. I’m just not sure how it’s going to fit in.”
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