Joseph Suaalii move a 'first world problem' for Wallabies

Ever since Suaalii’s switch from the NRL two years ago there has been debate over his best position.

Kiss said ahead of the Japan Test that he would be “persisting at 13 with him at this stage” but noted his ability to play both wing and fullback.

Ahead of the second clash with Eddie Jones’ Japan, two-time World Cup-winning Wallaby centre Tim Horan renewed the push for the move, saying Suaalii was “wasted” in the centres.

Horan wants to see Suaalii flying for high balls on the wing, where he also thinks he’ll see more ball in open spaces after struggling to get into the action in Japan.

Kiss, himself a former Australian and Queensland rugby league winger, won’t have Ikitau in Townsville but could deploy Reds teammates Henry and Paisami in the midfield and push Suaalii to the wing.

“Being that talented is a first world problem,” fullback Tom Wright said of the predicament.

“So many opinions on it; it means (Suaalii) is almost too good for people to just be happy with where he’s at.

“The versatility across our entire backline is a weapon for us, to change the point of attack.

“And ‘Su’ could jump in anywhere – you could mould him into an inside centre, give him enough time to play five-eighth – he’s going to be brilliant wherever you put him.

“I’ve seen his game grow so, so well in the 13 position and there’s no mention from him, as in ‘he wants to do this, doesn’t want to do this’, it’s team first.”

Paisami said the competition for a centre spot was driving them all.

The squad flew home on Sunday and began preparations in Brisbane before flying north on Thursday.

“Always hungry and in this environment it’s very competitive; we’ve got some quality centres out there,” Paisami said.

“The more we compete, the better we get as a team.”

Horan has also called for Carter Gordon’s return at No.10 after the flyhalf, fit after missing two Tests with a leg injury, ran water in Osaka and Declan Meredith made his third-straight start.

Tom Hooper (shoulder), able to play in the second row or as a flanker, will also return to the squad in Townsville with lock Miles Amatosero awaiting his punishment for a red card in Osaka.

There were no injuries against Japan but Kiss has flagged the likelihood of more changes – he made four to the starting side in his first Test in charge – as he looks at his options and assess the toll taken in hot Japanese conditions.