Barrett Backs Suaalii’s Versatility as Rugby Union’s Next Big Thing
New Zealand rugby veteran Jordie Barrett has thrown his support behind rising Australian star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, asserting that the former NRL player’s full potential in the 15-man game is yet to be unlocked. Barrett, a seasoned campaigner with 75 caps for the All Blacks and a key figure for the Hurricanes, believes Suaalii’s development will be significantly boosted by the strategic decision to deploy him across multiple backline positions.
The upcoming clash at Allianz Stadium on Friday night will see Barrett and Suaalii go head-to-head as their respective teams, the unbeaten Waratahs and the Hurricanes, prepare for a Bledisloe Cup encounter. The promotional event at Moore Park on Thursday revealed a surprising camaraderie between the trans-Tasman rivals, with the pair posing amicably for photographs and exchanging glowing endorsements with the media.
Suaalii, who transitioned from rugby league in late 2024, admitted to growing up idolising Barrett’s performances for both the All Blacks and the Hurricanes. Barrett, in turn, lauded Suaalii’s impact since his code switch.
“It’s fantastic to see such high-calibre athletes making the move from rugby league to rugby union. It’s a real boost for our game,” Barrett commented. “Many people underestimate the difficulty of that transition. I genuinely believe he’s improving with every outing. I suspect Australian rugby hasn’t yet witnessed the peak of Joseph’s abilities, and that’s an exciting prospect. He presents a significant challenge for us to contain on Friday night, and I’m confident he has a bright future ahead in Australian rugby.”
The optimal position for Suaalii in rugby union has been a recurring topic of discussion. After featuring at fullback for NSW and centre for the Wallabies last year, the high-profile recruit has been positioned at No. 13 for the Waratahs. However, the 22-year-old has yet to make a substantial offensive impact in his new role.
Barrett drew parallels to his own early career, highlighting the benefits of positional flexibility. “I experienced a similar developmental path early on. I played fullback, covered both wings, played in the centres, and then returned to fullback. I think this is a positive aspect of Joseph’s progression,” Barrett explained. “If he were confined to a single position, his learning curve might be shallower. The fact that he’s playing fullback, at outside centre, and occasionally on the wing, will undoubtedly accelerate his development, particularly in the defensive aspects of the game. He’s already a strong defender. Being exposed to different scenarios, even those that might push him slightly out of his comfort zone, will foster immense growth.”
Suaalii expressed his delight at Barrett’s praise and affirmed his enjoyment of playing in various positions. The two players share a similar physical stature, both standing at an imposing 195cm.
“I’ve always followed his career as a young kid and deeply admired his game. For him to share those words, it’s incredibly special. I genuinely enjoy playing in all different positions,” Suaalii stated. “I feel it allows you to grow as a player and as a person, discovering diverse ways to influence the game and enhance your overall performance. Whether it’s on the wing, at 13, or at 15, it’s about fulfilling the team’s needs. I’ve consistently communicated to Dan [McKellar], Joe [Schmidt], and the coaching staff that I’m ready and willing to play wherever the team requires me.”
Despite Suaalii’s willingness, the Waratahs are actively seeking strategies to increase his involvement in attack. In the team’s opening two victories, Suaalii struggled to find attacking space, often relegated to carrying the ball into heavy traffic or serving as a decoy. His statistics from these matches reflect this limited impact, with only 32 metres gained and no line-breaks across the two games.
Suaalii acknowledged this challenge and is focused on self-improvement. “I need to position myself more effectively. I’ve always maintained that rugby is more than just possessing the ball. You must excel in defence, contribute at the breakdown, and effectively communicate with your teammates,” he said. “My aim is to impact the game in multiple ways, not solely through handling the ball. I’m actively working on diversifying my contributions. The true victories in rugby are often secured through the less visible aspects – the breakdown contests, the relentless second efforts, and numerous other contributions that often go unnoticed by spectators.”
Barrett also provided his perspective on the recent coaching appointment within the All Blacks setup, expressing his satisfaction with Dave Rennie’s selection. While not intimately familiar with Rennie, Barrett has heard consistently positive feedback from players who have previously worked under the former Wallabies coach.
When questioned about his confidence in the All Blacks’ preparedness for the 2027 Rugby World Cup following a year under Rennie’s guidance, Barrett drew parallels to the previous World Cup cycle. “We faced a similar situation two years out from the 2023 World Cup with Ian Foster’s reappointment. We were incredibly close to winning that World Cup, so I believe we have ample time,” he remarked. “Ultimately, time will tell. It’s a bit of a sprint, and my immediate focus is on performing well for the Hurricanes and hopefully being part of those discussions and plans with Dave moving forward.”
