Wallabies fullback Tom Wright believes versatility will prove both Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Australia’s greatest weapon, dismissing the notion the game’s $5 million man needed to be cemented in one position.
Every pundit in rugby circles has had an opinion on where the former NRL star’s future must lie in the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, having been largely used in the centres but deployed at fullback for the Waratahs this year.
In the latter stages of the Wallabies’ 35-32 triumph of Japan to launch a new era under coach Les Kiss, Suaalii was shifted from outside centre to the wing – the same position he began his rugby league career in, where his near two-metre tall physique made him a lethal aerial threat.
But when asked in Brisbane if the flank or in the midfield getting his hands on the ball more frequently was where the 23-year-old’s long-term future rested, Wright did not believe he should be confined to one role.
“I think it depends what lens you want to put on it; if we leave it ambiguous they [our opposition] won’t know what we’re going to do, so that’s awesome. Being that talented is a first-world problem, for there to be so many opinions on it means he’s almost too good,” Wright said.
“Everyone has an opinion on someone who’s that talented and has brought so much good coverage to our game. I think the versatility we’ve got pretty much across the entire backline is something that potentially is a weapon for us, being able to change the point of attack.
“I think ‘Su’ could jump in anywhere; you could mould him into an inside centre if you wanted, you could give him enough time to play five-eighth I think he’d jump at the opportunity to do that.
“He’s going to be brilliant wherever we put him. There are so many opinions on it, so you can run with how you will, but he’s such a good player for us, and such a team-first guy – there’s no mention from him that he wants to do this, or doesn’t want to do this.”
While Wright conceded the victory against the Brave Blossoms was far from the polished performance the Wallabies had sought to put in place, he said there were signs Kiss’ philosophies would reap rewards between now and the World Cup.
Since arriving at the Queensland Reds three years ago, Kiss has encouraged his players to trust their instincts and skill sets – pushing them to freely express themselves with the ball and backing their judgement.
That mentality led to five tries in sweltering Osaka conditions – the first three to outside backs Wright, Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen – but also yielded four unforced dropped balls between Wright, Aukuso-Suaalii and five-eighth Declan Meredith.
However, Wright – speaking ahead of Saturday’s return bout with Japan in Townsville – remained undeterred, adamant the group would continue chancing their arm under Kiss’ tutelage, while continuing to develop an understanding of when to pull the trigger depending on the conditions.
“You want to be able to trust your instincts, you love having a coach and coaching staff from top to bottom who push that style of play as well. We speak about bringing the game back to how you grew up playing in the backyard, and that was all systems go,” Wright said.
“You want to trust the first thing that comes into your mind, but understand we’re versing the best of the best in the world. To be able to think in the next five or 10 minutes what’s going to give us the best chance … finding that balance is probably what every team in world rugby is trying to chase.
“The way the coaching staff here, directed by Les, give you that confidence to play what comes to mind, and then everyone getting on the same page and backing that first call, has been awesome.”
Wallabies assistant coach Tom Donnelly also confirmed forward Tom Hooper would be available for selection, having overcome a shoulder injury suffered in last month’s loss to Ireland.
“He trained with his club team down in Canberra during the week and ticked off everything he needed to do to become available,” Donnelly said of the 25-year-old, who will join the Reds from Exeter in mid-2028 ahead of the 2029 Super Rugby campaign.
“He’ll train with us fully this week.”
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