Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, regarded as one of Australia’s most versatile rugby talents, has signaled that he intends to maintain an adaptable approach to his playing position ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted at home. Speaking at an NFL fan festival in Melbourne on Thursday, Suaalii emphasized his desire to continue developing skills across multiple roles rather than specializing in a single position.
“I’ve always loved trying to master different positions,” Suaalii said. “I know I can play 12, 13, fullback, wing, and hopefully one day 10 as well. I’m just having an open mindset to position and trying to be great at what I do.”
Since making his debut two years ago, Suaalii has primarily featured as a centre for the Wallabies, with occasional appearances in other backline roles. However, expectations are mounting for the 23-year-old to solidify a role that leverages his considerable athleticism and playmaking abilities as Australia prepares to defend its title in the 2027 tournament.
Veteran prop James Slipper, who remains an emergency option despite retiring from international rugby, stressed the importance of unlocking Suaalii’s full potential. “With his athletic ability, he can play just about any position in the backline, probably besides five-eighth,” Slipper said. “But everyone wants to see him with the ball in hand, whether that’s at fullback or on the wing. He’s at centre at the moment, but priority should be getting him some space.”
Suaalii’s positioning is one of several decisions Wallabies coach Les Kiss must resolve ahead of next year’s World Cup. Among other key challenges are finalizing the forward pack and confirming the team captaincy. Harry Wilson, the established No. 8, has been named captain through the end of the season, but competition in the back row means his starting spot is not guaranteed.
The squad could also see further additions from recent rugby league converts such as Mark Nawaqanitawase, Zac Lomax, and Angus Crichton, but there is limited time left for experimentation before Australia kicks off the tournament against Hong Kong in Perth in October.
One of the Wallabies’ longstanding selection dilemmas remains the fly-half position. Ryan Lonergan has played consistently at scrum-half, but fly-half options have been unsettled since the last World Cup. Carter Gordon, a promising contender, suffered a broken leg in their recent match against Argentina and will miss the upcoming tests against South Africa and New Zealand.
Slipper noted the significance of the fly-half role: “That five-eighth is obviously a really important position in any rugby team. It’s a shame for Carter but it gives an opportunity to someone else.”
Ben Donaldson, who started in the test against Argentina, appears the frontrunner to fill the position, though there have been calls for Noah Lolesio—based in Japan and once the preferred choice under former coach Joe Schmidt—to return to contention.
In addition, seasoned players Bernard Foley, 37, and James O’Connor, 36, have returned to Australian Super Rugby clubs with their sights firmly set on World Cup selection. Slipper praised their experience and commitment, saying, “The World Cup, it comes down to performance. You want your best players out there playing in those big games. Bernard has been there before, taking us to a World Cup final in 2015, and Rabs has been around a long time with Les Kiss at the Reds.”
As Australia’s preparations intensify, Kiss faces the complex task of balancing seasoned veterans with emerging talent to build a cohesive side capable of competing on home soil next year.