Joseph Sua'ali'i to make rugby union debut for Australia against England

Former NRL star Joseph Sua'ali'i is set to make his professional rugby union and international debut on Saturday, lining up at outside centre in Joe Schmidt's starting XV as the Wallabies face England at Twickenham.

Sua'ali'i’s move to rugby union, following a $5 million code switch, has stirred excitement and anticipation within both rugby codes.

Sua'ali'i will start in the No. 13 jersey, taking over from Hunter Paisami, who featured in the recent match against New Zealand. Len Ikitau will shift to the No. 12 position to accommodate Sua'ali'i, who has been training rigorously with the Waratahs ahead of his highly anticipated debut.

The 21-year-old, who previously played rugby union only at the school level, joins a prestigious group of players who have successfully transitioned from rugby league to union, including Jason Robinson and Sam Burgess.

Samu Kerevi, among others, has expressed confidence in Sua'ali'i’s potential, noting his competitive nature and physical readiness.

“You've seen him play Origin, you've seen him at the top level in rugby league. Even though it's a different game, the way he competes is there. Physically, he's ready,” said Kerevi.

Wallabies assistant coach Geoff Parling echoed these sentiments, adding, "He's looking good. I've been really impressed with him. An incredible athlete with a great work ethic, and he’s definitely ready for the big occasion."

Sua'ali'i’s switch to union was encouraged through an informal meeting with former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and ex-Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan, where the pair reportedly discussed his future in the sport.

McLennan highlighted the significance of Sua'ali'i’s decision, stating that his move surpasses the high-profile 2014 code switch of Sam Burgess, who joined Premiership side Bath and later earned a spot in England’s Rugby World Cup squad.

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell

Reserves: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen