Suaalii plays on their mind
JOSEPH Suaalii turned down the chance to play for Australia but was at the forefront of the Kangaroos’ thoughts on Wednesday night (AEDT) as they ramped up their preparations for the World Cup final.
The Kangaroos performed a series of defensive drills and two names were ringing around the Sale Sharks training facility, where Australia have been based in recent weeks.
One was Samoan captain Junior Paulo. The other was the 19-year-old sensation who has confirmed at this World Cup what many already knew – if he isn’t already a superstar, he will be soon enough.
It is why Meninga was keen to have Suaalii tour with the Kangaroos, only for the teenager to elect to play for the country of his heritage. After a rocky start against England, he has been unstoppable in the weeks since and the Kangaroos have identified him as one of the players they need to stop if they are to beat Samoa at Old Trafford this weekend.
“He’s an animal but we know what their threats are and we’re ready to go,” Sualliiu’s Sydney Roosters teammate Angus Crichton said.
“In my time in the sport I’ve never seen a kid like Joseph, he’s a quality player and a quality person too.
“As soon as he steps over that white line he’s a savage and that’s what I like about him.
“There’s no chance he’s going to be overwhelmed by it. I know he’s going to turn up. I know he’s going to play because I know the kid, I know how he works. He’s diligent, looks after his body, looks after his mind.”
Suaalii, who opted to play for Samoa rather than Australia, finds himself in a World Cup final in his preferred position as fullback. Had he toured with the Kangaroos, he wouldn’t have had the chance to play fullback and may not have featured at all, such is the depth of talent in the Australian backline.
Having chosen Samoa, he has been a driving force behind their charge to the final.
Against England in the semi-final, he ran for 211m and made four tackle busts. The week before against Tonga he ran for 212m and had six tackle busts.
Against France, he ran for only 132m but had three try assists. Australia know stopping him will go a long way towards ensuring they defend the World Cup.
“He has been great,” Kangaroos forward Jake Trbojevic said.
“He had a great year for the Roosters and his tournament has been outstanding. He is a quality player. He is only 19 – the way he plays is unbelievable. We have a big job on our hands.”