Rugby Australia Breathed a Sigh of Relief After Positive Injury Update on $5 Million Star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

• Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii could play against Ireland

• Initial fears the centre, 21, had broken his wrist

• Signed $5million contract in 2023 to defect from NRL

 

 

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, the $5 million star recruit, has been cleared of a broken wrist and could feature for the Wallabies in their final UK tour clash against Ireland this weekend.

 

The 21-year-old sensation, who made history with the biggest contract in Australian rugby, was left concerned after taking a heavy hit during a tackle on Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu in Australia’s 27-13 defeat.

 

After walking off the field in Edinburgh, concerns over Suaalii’s wrist were mounting. However, coach Joe Schmidt quickly downplayed the injury fears, and subsequent tests confirmed the relief of a non-serious injury.

 

 

In positive news, lock Jeremy Williams, who missed the Scotland match due to illness, has travelled with the squad and is recovering well.

 

Coach Schmidt is eager to see a response from his side following a tough loss to Scotland, where they missed 34 tackles and conceded 14 penalties. “I felt they still delivered a very good performance against a very good team,” Schmidt said. “There are days when things don’t go as planned, but they are not excuses, just reasons for why we were slightly off.”

 

Schmidt also expressed confidence in the growing depth of the Australian side, despite the challenges faced by some inexperienced players.

 

The final UK tour match kicks off in Dublin at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday, December 1.