‘I did all I could’: Salakaia-Loto breaks silence on Wallabies omission

Queensland Reds enforcer Lukhan Salakaia-Loto left no stone unturned during a standout Super Rugby Pacific season but still missed out on Wallabies selection. The lock didn’t play in the July Nations Championship Tests, instead finding a silver lining in life away from the rugby field. 

Salakaia-Loto was named in the Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year after making 13 appearances for the Reds, all of which were starts in the second row. Reds teammates Jock Campbell and Fraser McReight were also selected in the dream team, after Queensland’s run to the quarters. 

But when the Wallabies squad for the first block of Nations Championship Tests was unveiled on June 18, the omission of Salakaia-Loto was one of the main talking points. Coach Joe Schmidt went with an inexperienced quartet at lock, with that group including two uncapped players. 

Meanwhile, Salakaia-Loto jetted off to the United Kingdom, having been called in to play for the Barbarians against Wales at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. The experienced Wallaby lined up in the backrow against the Welsh, before returning home to Brisbane. 

Salakaia-Loto’s partner gave birth to a baby girl about two months ago, “so the silver lining for me was just spending time at home.”  

“I did all I could do so I was happy, I was at peace with what I produced throughout the Super Rugby season,” Salakaia-Loto told reporters in Sydney. 

“You don’t always get what you deserve I guess. You can’t dwell on it too much. It is what it is. 

“If I was to stress over things that there’s no point stressing over, then it would affect what I do off the field or away from it.” 

Salakaia-Loto confirmed that he played a bit heavier this season, looking to match the style he was looking to deliver on the park. In 13 starts in Queensland’s maroon jersey, the tight five forward played more than 70 minutes 10 times. 

That included a remarkable 89-minute shift against the Blues in Christchurch, as the Reds fell in a thrilling Super Round contest. But across the season, Salakaia-Loto was able to stay out in the middle for the full duration of matches. 

“That was intentional to be play to play the type of style that that I wanted to play this year and I thought that I was able to do that,” Salakaia-Loto said. 

“I was given what I was given and I’ve delivered on that, I feel. I’ve worked hard away with the Reds, got to go back to clubland, play for Souths, which is my club, which was awesome.” 

New Wallabeis coach Les Kiss has named Salakaia-Loto in the squad for a two-Test series against Eddie Jones’ Japan, which starts in just over a week in Osaka. The Wallabies then host the Brave Blossoms in Townsville a week later. 

The Wallabies have assembled in Sydney, with the recalled second rower “grateful” to be back in the mix. With a new coach leading the way a little over a year out from a home Men’s Rugby World Cup, it’s an exciting time for the code Down Under. 

“I’m just here to try and add as much as I can,” he added. 

“Any opportunity that you’re given to be a part of the squad is special. To be back involved in the environment, to be back with the lads and to help continue to build to what’s ahead if something that I’m grateful for.”