Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and his best position: Ex-Tahs boss joins the debate

Harlequins’ Australian head coach Jason Gilmore believes the Wallabies are still not getting the most out of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii more than 12 months into his cross-code switch.

Suaalii, who Gilmore coached at U18 level, made a big impact in last November’s Test series, having moved from the NRL to the 15-man game. On debut, he played an integral role in the Wallabies’ thrilling 42-37 win over England at Twickenham and his early international form saw him nominated for the 2025 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.

The former Sydney Rooster fared okay in the British and Irish Lions series but was overshadowed by his midfield partner, Len Ikitau, and his performances since then have been underwhelming.

Like the rest of his team-mates, the 22-year-old’s form has waned with the fatigue of a 15-Test season. Against England in Australia’s opening Quilter Nations Series match, he had a good number of involvements but only made five carries despite receiving the ball 14 times. When he did back himself and take on the defence, Suaalii was effective, breaking four tackles.

He collected a game-changing yellow card in the defeat against Italy two games into the tour and was relatively anonymous in the record loss to Ireland. By the time he was hooked off after 57 minutes in the November finale against France, Suaalii looked a spent force, having touched the ball four times, carried it three, and made 30 metres.

“It’s interesting because obviously at the Waratahs he plays full-back mainly. I coached Joey in the Australian U18s and he was on the wing there,” said Gilmore.

“I think his best attribute is wide channel because he is such a good aerial exponent. I think what he needs at 13 is a forward pack going forward, and with the Wallabies this year they have probably been inconsistent with having your Will Skeltons and those style of players (available); Bobby Valetini has been a litle bit injured.

“I think when the forward pack has more go-forward like we saw at Twickenham last November in particular, it frees up more space for those guys. I think you need Joey with time and space.

“It’s been interesting to see how the Waratahs have used him to the Wallabies; it’s probably just using him in the right system, and I am sure Joe Schmidt has a great system with the Wallabies.

“The other thing is that it’s his second year in rugby. It’s been a 15-Test calendar, you’ve got all the travel and he’s played the British Lions, obviously. I think it has been a pretty big year in general where the petrol tank is probably starting to get a bit empty.”

A rollercoaster year for the Wallabies ended in four straight defeats and Joe Schmidt’s successor as head coach, Les Kiss, will have just over a year to turn things around before Australia host the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Kiss’ first match in charge will be against Japan at the start of August, leaving him with precious little time to make his mark on the squad.

“He’d probably admit he’d like a longer runaway into the World Cup. But then again you just never know. When Cheik (Michael Cheika) took over he only had nine months leading into a World Cup and they made a World Cup final. So anything possible,” said former Australia A coach Gilmore.

“If you get the environment right for the boys, that they’ll thrive in and play their best footy, that to me is the most improtant thing because there are good footballers there.

“I think Joe has created a good environment but i just think they are tired out.”