Why Tim Horan wants to see Suaalii as a Wallabies winger

Joseph Suaalii is set to join the Wallabies as they embark on a spring tour of the UK, many questioning where the former NRL star will be positioned.

Suaalii left the Roosters at the end of the 2024 NRL season, marking a quick turn around as he began the rugby union season.

Former Australian rugby union player, Tim Horan told SEN he is excited to see the former NRL star change lanes and expects to see him begin at winger.

“It will be interesting how they use him,” Horan told SENQ.

“I think maybe wing early on is the easiest spot for him.

“Probably down the track it's either fullback or outside centre.”

Horan also questioned if Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will play Suaalii from the jump or will be inclined to rest him early on, given his limited rugby union experience.

“Do they put him on the bench there and give him a bit of a taste of it or do you just let him train for the first couple weeks and give him a crack later in the tour?”

Despite limited experience, Horan insisted that Suaalii’s natural talent will be instrumental to the Wallabies success in the UK, cementing he would prioritise playing Suaalii as early as round 1.

“If I’m Joe Schmidt I would be pulling the trigger pretty early,” he added.

“I’d get him on as soon as they can.

“There are very few people who are an athlete first and a footy player second, and Joseph looks like that.”

The Wallabies will begin a four test series throughout November, beginning with a game against England at Twickenham.