Les Kiss clears up ‘super athlete’ Suaalii’s Wallabies position

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii won’t be shifting into the outside backs anytime soon, with new Wallabies head coach Les Kiss clarifying the “super athlete” will continue to line up in the centres, at least as a starting point.

Suaalii famously earned Player of the Match honours on debut for the national team, producing a remarkable performance at outside centre against England. Rugby Australia’s marquee recruit has made another 19 starts in 20 appearances since that 42-37 win in London.

‘Joey Su’ has formed a consistent midfield partnership with Len Ikitau, who was awarded the John Eales Medal (Wallabies Player of the Year) at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards. Those two started together in all three of Australia’s Nations Championship fixtures this month.

But as the Wallabies prepare to embark on a new era under coach Kiss, who has taken over from former boss Joe Schmidt, Suaalii is expected to keep suiting up in Wallaby gold with the number 13 on his back.

Morgan Turinui recently pleaded on Stan Sport, “I never want to see Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii play 13 again.” But the former Wallaby won’t get that wish, with Kiss set to persist with the 22-year-old at outside centre, rather than opt for a switch to either fullback or wing.

“He is a super athlete. He’s a good footballer on many levels,” Kiss told reporters.

“I will be persisting with 13 with him at this stage but I know that he can go to 15 and wing, and that’s important to acknowledge as well.

“Our starting point for Joseph… is at 13.”

Suaalii is one of the more experienced backline players selected to represent the Wallabies in two Tests against Eddie Jones’ Japan. But Ikitau will not play in either Osaka or Townsville, with the star centre ruled out due to injury.

That change has opened the door for Isaac Henry, one of 14 representatives from the Queensland Reds, to potentially debut. Henry has overcome a horror run of injuries, enjoying a breakout campaign in Super Rugby Pacific this year.

Henry has been selected ahead of Josh Flook.

“It’s a nice little story,” Kiss said.

“Isaach had had some troubles with injuries over time and he’s just worked so hard to get his body right and I think we’re seeing the fruition of that work right now.

“His work over the last week and a half, he’s been involved, has been exceptional in Wallaby camp. He has a capacity to play two positions really strongly, either 12 or 13, and it was call that came up and it’s a tough call for Flooky.

“We need to cover 12 and 13, and we know that he can cover wing too… he should be proud of what he’s done. He’s worked hard to get where he has.”