Joseph Suaalii Included in Australia’s Squad for Northern Hemisphere Tour

Rugby league convert Joseph Suaalii has been named in Australia’s 34-man squad for their upcoming northern hemisphere tour, marking a significant step in his transition to rugby union. The 21-year-old former Sydney Roosters star, who made a high-profile switch to rugby union in a deal reportedly worth over 5 million Australian dollars (£2.6m), is yet to play a professional game in his new code.

Suaalii joins uncapped players Harry Potter, a former Leicester wing now with Western Force, and 21-year-old Waratahs fly-half Tane Edmed in coach Joe Schmidt’s squad. Schmidt indicated that Suaalii’s inclusion was partly driven by Australia’s preparation for next year’s British and Irish Lions tour, highlighting the need to fast-track his development.

“We feel a little bit of pressure to be able to fast-track him,” Schmidt explained. “If he doesn’t debut on this tour, then there’s very little window before the Lions next year.”

Veteran lock Will Skelton, who missed the Wallabies’ summer Tests due to club commitments with La Rochelle, returns to the squad, while centre Samu Kerevi also makes his international comeback after playing in Japan. However, both Skelton and Kerevi will be unavailable for the clash against Ireland on 30 November, as the match falls outside the international window.

Australia will face England at Twickenham on 9 November, followed by games against Wales in Cardiff on 17 November, and Scotland at Murrayfield on 24 November.

Australia Squad for Northern Hemisphere Tour

Forwards:
Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

Backs:
Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Samu Kerevi, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph Suaalii, Nic White, Tom Wright.