Joseph Suaalii and Harry Potter named in Australia squad for Autumn Nations Series

Australia have named its squad for the Autumn Nations Series, with high-profile rugby league convert Joseph Suaalii and English-born Harry Potter among the 34-man lineup.

Suaalii, who made headlines with his move from rugby league, has yet to play a senior match in rugby union but is being fast-tracked into the Wallabies squad for their tour of the UK and Ireland.

The 21-year-old whose rugby union switch has drawn comparisons to the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, grew up playing union before moving into professional rugby league with the Sydney Roosters. Now, after a lucrative deal reportedly worth over £2.5 million for three years, he is poised to make his Wallabies debut, despite having yet to play for the New South Wales Waratahs.

Joining Suaalii in the squad is Harry Potter, a former Leicester Tigers wing now playing for Western Force, and New South Wales Waratahs fly-half Tane Edmed, who are the other uncapped players included in the team.

Will Skelton, who captained Australia during last year’s Rugby World Cup, is also recalled after recovering from injury, along with Japan-based centre Samu Kerevi, as the Wallabies look to turn their recent form around.

The team heads to the UK after a tough run of three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 67-27 loss to Argentina.

"Part of it is that we play the Lions next (year)," said Joe Schmidt on Suaalii's inclusion.

"So if he doesn't debut on this tour, then there's very little window - there may be one opportunity to play before the Lions next year - and that would be it. So for us, yeah, we feel a little bit of pressure to be able to fast track him.

"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't conscious of the big deal that he's on and the profile that he has because you can't not be aware of that. But what our responsibility is, is to try to help him become the best rugby player and contributor to the team that he can be."

The Wallabies' Autumn Nations Series tour begins on November 9 against England, followed by matches against Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

Australia squad:

Forwards: Matt Faessler, Brandon Paenga Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell, Isaac Kailea, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Carlo Tizzano, Sere Uru, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Harry Wilson.

Backs: Nic White, Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson, Samu Kerevi, Joseph Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch.