Suaalii Keeps Wallabies Role Open Before 2027 Rugby World Cup

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has said he plans to remain open to playing several positions for Australia rather than specialising in one role before the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Guardian reported that the 23-year-old discussed his approach on Thursday while appearing at an NFL fan festival promoting World Cup matches in Melbourne.

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Suaalii said he enjoys trying to master different positions and believes he can operate at inside centre, outside centre, fullback or wing. He also expressed a longer-term ambition to play fly-half. Two years into his Wallabies career, he has primarily been used in the centres and has had only limited opportunities in the backfield.

Former Australia prop James Slipper said the priority should be finding ways to give Suaalii space with the ball. Slipper, who has formally retired from international rugby but remains an emergency option for the tournament, told The Guardian that Suaalii's athletic ability makes him capable of filling almost any back-line position other than fly-half.

Suaalii's role is one of several decisions facing head coach Les Kiss over the next year. No 8 Harry Wilson has been named captain for the remainder of 2026, although competition in the back row means his starting position is not assured. Rugby league recruits Mark Nawaqanitawase, Zac Lomax and Angus Crichton are also contenders for Australia's World Cup squad.

Australia also has an unsettled situation at fly-half. Carter Gordon broke his leg against Argentina and will miss the upcoming matches against South Africa and New Zealand. Ben Donaldson is described by The Guardian as the likely replacement after starting Australia's most recent Test against Argentina, while Japan-based Noah Lolesio has also been mentioned as an option after a neck injury interrupted his time as the preferred choice under former coach Joe Schmidt.

Experienced fly-halves Bernard Foley and James O'Connor have returned to Australian Super Rugby teams ahead of the World Cup. Slipper said selection should ultimately depend on form and performance, noting the experience both players could offer. The available preparation time is limited: Australia is scheduled to open its home tournament against Hong Kong in Perth in October 2027. For now, Suaalii's comments indicate that he wants his own role to remain flexible while Kiss assesses the broader shape of the side.