Hunter Paisami’s ‘better we are’ take on Wallabies midfield battle

Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami is embracing the fierce competition for places in the midfield, with a trio of Queensland Reds teammates also chasing starting spots ahead of the second Flight Centre Series clash with Japan.

Paisami made the most of a rare start at inside centre last weekend, wearing the No. 12 jersey in the absence of reigning John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau. The 28-year-old was a standout in both attack and defence, as the stat sheet at full-time supported.

The Wallabies secured back-to-back wins for the first time in a year, overcoming Japan 35-32 in Osaka on Saturday evening. Paisami received an 8.5 out of 10 in RugbyPass player ratings, having finished with the second-most tackles out of anyone and the second-most carries for a Wallaby.

But there will be a significant change in the midfield this week, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out due to a minor hamstring strain. Suaalii picked up the injury against the Brave Blossoms, with coach Les Kiss calling Josh Flook into the squad before the Townsville Test.

Filipo Daugunu is coming off a strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Reds, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto describing the utility as “one of the best players in Australia” on April 11. Isaac Henry is another option, with Paisami confident the recent debutant would deliver if called upon.

“It’s always good when a coach believes in you,” Paisami told reporters on Wednesday.

“A lot of competition there in that midfield with Isaac, Flooky, with Su as well. The more we compete as individuals, the better we are as a team.

“It’s always good having familiar connections from the Reds,” he added later. “But again, we’re just keen, whoever’s in that 12 and 13 jersey, we know that they will do a job for the boys and for the jersey.”

Following the three-point win over Japan, Suaalii’s name has been in the headlines more than any other Wallaby, as fans and pundits continue to have their say on whether the 23-year-old should remain at outside centre.

Wallabies great Tim Horan spoke on Wide World of Sports last week, believing “we’re just not seeing enough of him” and that he is “wasted at number 13.” Fullback Tom Wright was asked about Suaalii earlier in the week, and so was Paisami on Wednesday.

“Anywhere in that backline,” Pasami said.

“He’s played Test footy at 13 and what he’s done in the 13 jersey is special.

“When you’re on that field, it doesn’t matter what number you’re playing [with on your back]. It’s pretty much, you’ve just got to react, look after each other and do your best for the team.”

Another Reds player battling for a spot in the run-on side is fly-half Carter Gordon, who has made just two appearances in Wallaby gold since returning from the NRL last year. Gordon has suffered some injury setbacks, with Declan Meredith stringing some starts together.

Ben Donaldson has been a regular option off the bench, while Jock Campbell did play minutes in the fly-half position against reigning Six Nations champions France in Brisbane. Gordon wore the No. 10 jumper against Ireland but hasn’t played minutes in the Test arena since.

“I think he’s just a natural 10, like they all are natural 10s. I feel like they’re just very similar.

“Carts’ defensive side, he’s a big body, he puts his body on the line.

“They all the read the game pretty well.

“If [Gordon] is in, it’s huge for us.”