NSW Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar has pinpointed Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s “greatest attribute” as the code-hopper prepares for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.
Suaalii, 21, signed a lucrative multi-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs about two years ago now, and ended up making a successful transition across codes from the NRL as the Wallabies turned heads with their performances up north.
Without playing a single minute of Shute Shield club rugby in New South Wales or any Super Rugby, Suaalii became a Wallaby during Australia’s thrilling 42-37 win over England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in November.
To the delight of rugby union fans who call Australia home, and even those who support rival teams, Suaalii was incredibly named the Player of the Match that night. Suaalii had wowed fans and shocked the English with exhilarating attacking flair and rock-solid defence.
Suaalii continued to impress during the Spring Tour, although was struck down with an injury during the loss to Scotland at Murrayfield. But it remains true that Suaalii will play a key role in the future of Australian rugby, starting with the Waratahs’ season under coach McKellar.
“Joseph’s greatest attribute is his work ethic and professionalism,” McKellar said on Stan Sports’ 2025 Sneak Peak – Waratahs.
“Just watching him train closely, he competes hard in every rep. He’s the first player on the field and he’s the last player off the field, and I think if he continues to maintain that work ethic and that desire, then he’ll learn the game quickly.
“He’s got the confidence and that belief, then what he can do with his own natural and raw talents is scary.”
Suaalii joins others including Taniela Tupou, Darby Lancaster, Andrew Kellaway, Isaac Kailea and Rob Leota by making the move to Daceyville, Sydney. It’s a star-studded cast at the Waratahs this season, with fans hoping they can inspire a rapid rise up the ladder.
With an injury crisis affecting the Tahs, they fell to a last-place finish in 2024, having won just two of their 14 matches. Jed Holloway, Lachie Swinton, Ned Hanigan, Izaia Perese, Mosese Tuipulotu and Mark Nawaqanitawase are among those who have since moved on.
As coach McKellar, the other members of the management staff and the players look ahead to the team’s season-opener on Valentine’s Day against the Highlanders in Sydney, let it be known that this is very much the dawn of a new era for the Waratahs.
“I just think the New South Wales Waratahs are such an important part of the rugby landscape within Australia,” McKellar explained.
“Obviously, there’s been some tough times in recent years and I’m just excited to help, to be honest, to create a program and an environment where we can ideally allow for some sustainable success over the next period of time.
“I’m also excited about the group of players that we’ve got. There’s never a shortage of talent in New South Wales. We’ve recruited well, we’ve also put together a really good group of staff and I think any head coach will tell you that you can’t do it on your own.
“I think we’re just excited to turn things around and continue to change the narrative and create positive stories for the game.”
