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<\/a> <\/p>\nJoseph-Aukuso Suaalii won\u2019t be shifting into the outside backs anytime soon, with new Wallabies head coach Les Kiss clarifying the \u201csuper athlete\u201d will continue to line up in the centres, at least as a starting point.<\/p>\n
Suaalii famously earned Player of the Match honours on debut for the national team, producing a remarkable performance at outside centre against England. Rugby Australia\u2019s marquee recruit has made another 19 starts in 20 appearances since that 42-37 win in London.<\/p>\n
\u2018Joey Su\u2019 has formed a consistent midfield partnership with Len Ikitau, who was awarded the John Eales Medal (Wallabies Player of the Year) at the 2025 Rugby Australia<\/a> Awards. Those two started together in all three of Australia\u2019s Nations Championship<\/a> fixtures this month.<\/p>\n But as the Wallabies prepare to embark on a new era under coach Kiss, who has taken over from former boss Joe Schmidt, Suaalii is expected to keep suiting up in Wallaby gold with the number 13 on his back.<\/p>\n Morgan Turinui recently pleaded on Stan Sport, \u201cI never want to see Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii play 13 again.\u201d But the former Wallaby won\u2019t get that wish, with Kiss set to persist with the 22-year-old at outside centre, rather than opt for a switch to either fullback or wing.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is a super athlete. He\u2019s a good footballer on many levels,\u201d Kiss told reporters.<\/p>\n \u201cI will be persisting with 13 with him at this stage but I know that he can go to 15 and wing, and that\u2019s important to acknowledge as well.<\/p>\n \u201cOur starting point for Joseph\u2026 is at 13.\u201d<\/p>\n Suaalii is one of the more experienced backline players selected to represent the Wallabies in two Tests against Eddie Jones\u2019 Japan. But Ikitau will not play in either Osaka or Townsville, with the star centre ruled out due to injury.<\/p>\n