The debate surrounding Joseph Suaalii’s optimal position for the Wallabies and the Waratahs is intensifying, with prominent former players Morgan Turinui and Michael Hooper both expressing the view that the young superstar is not currently performing at his peak when deployed at outside centre.
Suaalii, who made a highly anticipated code switch from rugby league to union at the close of 2024, initially made a significant impact in the number 13 jersey for the Wallabies during the 2025 Autumn Nations Series. His early performances were nothing short of sensational, hinting at a bright future in the 15-man code.
However, his transition to Super Rugby Pacific with the Waratahs for their 2025 campaign saw him primarily utilised at full-back under the guidance of head coach Dan McKellar. His Super Rugby involvement was unfortunately curtailed by injuries, limiting him to just six appearances for the Sydney-based franchise.
A Promising Start and Recognition
Despite the injury setbacks, Suaalii’s talent continued to shine through for Australia. His impressive displays at outside centre for the Wallabies were duly recognised when he was awarded the prestigious Wallabies’ Rookie of the Year award for 2025. His exceptional form also earned him a nomination for World Rugby’s men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in the same year, though he was ultimately edged out by New Zealand’s Fabian Holland.
His Test-level performances were so compelling that they led McKellar to exclusively select him at outside centre for the Waratahs this year. While the Waratahs have secured some notable victories, including back-to-back wins against the Reds and Fijian Drua, Suaalii’s individual output has not reached the heights previously seen.
Expert Analysis: Not the “Perfect Situation”
Morgan Turinui, a former Wallabies centre himself, believes the Waratahs are not maximising Suaalii’s potential because he is not in an ideal scenario.
“13 is his third best position, and it’s fine, because of the balance,” Turinui commented on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts program. He highlighted the Wallabies’ tactical decisions, noting, “They moved (Len) Ikitau to 12 at the Wallabies. They’ve got Tom Wright at full-back at the Wallabies. If Joe Schmidt thinks he’s a 13, and Les Kiss agrees, then the more he plays 13, the better, because they’re probably pot-committed about what position he’s playing now. He’s halfway to the World Cup and he’s played a lot there, so the Wallabies obviously think that they’ve got it right.”
Turinui elaborated on the complexities of the outside centre role:
* Defensive and Offensive Challenges: “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 one, it’s not an easy position to play in attack or defence.”
* Decoy Role: “Two, you are often the decoy for the back three players getting the ball.”
* Tactical Movement: “Happens a lot. They obviously move him back there (backfield) to catch some high balls as well a bit, so you move him around, but as soon as you have moving parts in a game, your error rate can go up as well, while you’re trying to figure it out.”
“So, it’s just not a perfect situation for him,” Turinui concluded.
Despite his own versatility, having played on the wing at international level in addition to centre, Turinui urged Australian rugby fans to remain patient. He expressed confidence that Suaalii would soon find his best form.
“Effort, attitude, everything we’re seeing there, absolutely outstanding,” said Turinui. “And feedback around training group and the environment, Waratahs, absolute leader of the first degree, outstanding. We’re just not quite getting the output in a 13 jersey.”
Turinui outlined his preferred positional hierarchy for Suaalii:
* Winger: “Winger would be the easiest position for him to play.”
* Full-back: “Full-back, well, I would think would be his best position.”
* Outside Centre: “And 13 is a bit harder than those two.”
Hooper Echoes Concerns
Michael Hooper, a legendary figure for both the Wallabies and the Waratahs, shares Turinui’s reservations about Suaalii’s current role.
“I think he should be on the wing, or full-back,” Hooper stated. “I don’t think he’s a 13 at Wallabies level either. Seeing other guys with his type of frame, they were better suited to the back three. So, I’m only going off the evidence that I had.”
Hooper believes that Suaalii’s considerable talents are not being fully showcased in his current position. “I don’t think we’re seeing the value that he has to offer… I’m one of the many that would love to see Joseph in positions to make reads in defence – because the guy can hit as good as anyone – and then also getting the ball in hand in open space.”
While acknowledging the challenges in finding the right fit within the team structure, Hooper remains optimistic about Suaalii’s future. “So it’s a matter of time. Still, I’m convinced it’s going to work out. I’m just not sure how it’s going to fit in.”
The ongoing discussion highlights the strategic complexities faced by coaching staff in integrating a player of Suaalii’s calibre, and the consensus among some of Australia’s most respected rugby minds is that his move away from the outside centre position might unlock his true potential.
