Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i has catapulted straight into the Wallabies squad for the Spring Tour, with the NRL convert a chance of making an immediate Test debut.
Sua’ali’i was the stand-out name in Joe Schmidt’s 34-man squad, as one of three new faces named on Tuesday for the four-Test tour.
Five-eighth Tane Edmed is also a chance to debut after being picked ahead of Tom Lynagh, while uncapped winger Harry Potter is also in the squad.
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Veteran Marika Koroibete has also been left out, while Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi return after missing Schmidt’s early 2024 campaign.
But the most remarkable selection is rugby union’s $5 million man, Sua’ali’i, who has been brought straight into the top squad.
The 21-year-old played his last game in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters a month ago, before linking up with the Wallabies in a training camp.
“The squad has had a chance to regenerate over the last few weeks,” Schmidt said.
“At the same time, it was good to catch up with a wider group of players in the two-day training hubs we had in Canberra and Brisbane last week.
“We have a relatively consistent group but will integrate a few new players on tour.”
Signed on a massive three-year deal in 2023, Sua’ali’i’s debut could now theoretically come as soon as November 10 against England at Twickenham.
A rugby player as a junior before linking with South Sydney in the NRL, Sua’ali’i has been adamant he can hit the ground running with his switch to the 15-man code.
“If they throw me in, I’m ready to go,” Sua’ali’i said last week.
“I played the game at school, so it’s just fine-tuning and getting the skills back that I had in rugby.
“I’ve always backed myself going against anyone so I’m very confident in my ability to play.
“I needed rest from that NRL season, it’s a long, brutal season.
“Now, it’s about learning each day, and sitting down and going through film and little things. I’ve played the game before, and I’m very confident in my ability.”
Australia will play Tests against England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in what doubles as the 40th anniversary tour of team’s famous 1984 grand slam.
An Australia XV squad will also play matches against Bristol and England A, with 14 capped Wallabies named in the group.
The squad will head to the UK on next week (Thursday).
Wallabies Squad for Spring 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-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Nic White, Tom Wright.