Former Wallabies captains Morgan Turinui and Michael Hooper are locking horns over the best position for rugby sensation Joseph Suaalii, who has struggled to find his form at the Waratahs. The 22-year-old, a dynamic convert from rugby league, initially dazzled as an outside centre for Australia but has since faced challenges adapting to different roles at the club level.
Despite a roaring debut in the Autumn Nations Series Tests back in 2024, Suaalii's transition to the Waratahs has been less than stellar. Originally positioned at full-back by coach Dan McKellar, injuries limited his impact, making only six appearances in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Yet, his prowess was undeniable as he clinched the Wallabies’ Rookie of the Year award and was a contender for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
This year, McKellar shifted Suaalii back to outside centre, a move that has yet to yield the best from the young star despite the team's victories against the Reds and Fijian Drua. Turinui, speaking on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, expressed concerns about Suaalii’s current utilization:
"13 is his third best position and it’s fine, because of the balance. Dan McKellar is trying to balance it, he’s got great options everywhere else. So maybe that’s where he fits for the ‘Tahs, but it’s not a perfect situation for him,”
Hooper, too, voiced his opinion, suggesting a different strategic use for Suaalii’s talents:
"I think he should be on the wing, or full-back. I don’t think he’s a 13 at Wallabies level either. We’re not seeing the value that he has to offer. So it’s a matter of time. Still, I’m convinced it’s going to work out."
Despite the slow start to the season, Turinui urged fans to keep faith, highlighting Suaalii’s exemplary effort and leadership within the Waratahs. He hinted that a position switch might be imminent, advocating for Suaalii to play where he can use his physicality in defense and his agility in attack to the team's advantage.
The debate continues on how best to utilize this rising star’s abilities, with opinions divided even among the seasoned veterans of the game. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Suaalii and the Waratahs' coaching staff to see if they can unlock the full potential of this versatile player.
2,100 posts
Former Wallabies captains Morgan Turinui and Michael Hooper are locking horns over the best position for rugby sensation Joseph Suaalii, who has struggled to find his form at the Waratahs. The 22-year-old, a dynamic convert from rugby league, initially dazzled as an outside centre for Australia but has since faced challenges adapting to different roles at the club level.
Despite a roaring debut in the Autumn Nations Series Tests back in 2024, Suaalii's transition to the Waratahs has been less than stellar. Originally positioned at full-back by coach Dan McKellar, injuries limited his impact, making only six appearances in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Yet, his prowess was undeniable as he clinched the Wallabies’ Rookie of the Year award and was a contender for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
This year, McKellar shifted Suaalii back to outside centre, a move that has yet to yield the best from the young star despite the team's victories against the Reds and Fijian Drua. Turinui, speaking on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, expressed concerns about Suaalii’s current utilization:
"13 is his third best position and it’s fine, because of the balance. Dan McKellar is trying to balance it, he’s got great options everywhere else. So maybe that’s where he fits for the ‘Tahs, but it’s not a perfect situation for him,”
Hooper, too, voiced his opinion, suggesting a different strategic use for Suaalii’s talents:
"I think he should be on the wing, or full-back. I don’t think he’s a 13 at Wallabies level either. We’re not seeing the value that he has to offer. So it’s a matter of time. Still, I’m convinced it’s going to work out."
Despite the slow start to the season, Turinui urged fans to keep faith, highlighting Suaalii’s exemplary effort and leadership within the Waratahs. He hinted that a position switch might be imminent, advocating for Suaalii to play where he can use his physicality in defense and his agility in attack to the team's advantage.
The debate continues on how best to utilize this rising star’s abilities, with opinions divided even among the seasoned veterans of the game. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Suaalii and the Waratahs' coaching staff to see if they can unlock the full potential of this versatile player.