'Freak' - Joseph Suaalii’s spectacular Wallabies debut leaves fans in awe

Joseph Suaalii’s debut for the Wallabies against England at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon left fans and pundits alike in awe –  with social media ablaze with praise for the 21-year-old’s return to rugby union.

The Wallabies won a thrilling contest 42-37, care of last gasp Max Jorgensen try in the 82nd minute, but it was the performance of their new, 6’5 outside centre that stole the show in the first half. The former Australia schoolboy’s switch from rugby league back to union was one of the most high-profile code-hopping moves in recent memory and he certainly lived up to the hype on his professional debut in the sport.

Despite not having played the 15-a-side game since 2019, Suaalii was hailed as a game-changer in a high-stakes clash in West London. Playing like a mix between Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Folau, the rookie’s offloading game and aerial skills had fans calling him the “real deal” and a “joy to watch”.

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“Joseph Suaalii is the real deal,” wrote Whittaker Walt. “A joy to watch a rising star in the making.” Another fan commented on Suaalii’s ability to stay unflappable under pressure: “Suaalii hasn’t put a foot wrong this entire match. Absolutely going to be a legend.”

Great finish from Tom Wright but this one is all about the Joseph Sua’ali’i offload 🔥#ENGvAUS | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/OJIyeU7ZWq

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 9, 2024

Jon Cardinelli wrote “Suaalii has been class on attack… wreaking havoc at kickoffs”.

The young talent brought a level of creativity and flair often seen in the league, with a cheeky no-look pass to set up Tom Wright for Australia’s opening try. As Tom Hamilton from ESPN noted, it was “some introduction from the cross-code star.”

“Suaalii just walking in to be the Wallabies’ best player haha,” wrote Byron, reflecting a sentiment echoed across fans’ posts as Suaalii repeatedly broke the English line with ease. Meanwhile, rugby writer Christy Doran marvelled at his confidence on the ball: “Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii with spiders on him. About four offloads inside 26 minutes.”

Others acknowledged the Wallabies’ investment in Suaalii as worthwhile, with Mana Rugby remarking: “A lot was said about how much Rugby Australia are paying Suaalii, but he’s the best Wallaby on the pitch by a mile. If anything, they should pay him more.”

The Wallabies’ first-half fightback, spurred in part by Suaalii’s dynamic presence, was praised by Paul Cully, who said, “Great fightback by the Wallabies…and some great injections on attack by Suaalii. Best 40 of the year.”

His impact was perhaps best summarized by former England wing and commentator Topsy Ojo, who captured the mood among fans as he said: “Suaalii living up to the hype! Lovely touches. Australia looking good going direct at England. Need a response.”

What did we just witness? 😳😳😳 #ENGvAUS | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/r2hknne976

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 9, 2024

It’s been a meteoric rise for the Suaalii, who made his NRL debut at just 17.

His switch back to rugby union started in late August 2022, Rugby Australia (RA) reportedly pursued him with a substantial offer allegedly around A$10 million over five years, though RA Chairman Hamish McLennan called this figure “fanciful.” Suaalii officially signed in March 2023 to join the New South Wales Waratahs and Wallabies starting in 2025, with a contract estimated between A$1.5 and A$1.6 million per year until 2027. Despite criticism from league figures like Peter V’landys, who claimed rugby would be “boring” for the young star, Suaalii’s shift was celebrated in union circles, where he’s compared to cross-code legends like Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams.