Wallabies predict Suaalii to be rugby star – FBC News

(Source: Reuters)

Australian fan Angus Bell believes Joseph Suaalii will be one of the best rugby players in the world and has denied rumors that giving the rugby league team a test start in the end-of-season tour would cheapen the Wallabies jersey.

Bell was Suaalii’s roommate at the pre-tour training camp and said in the short time they were together he was impressed by the 21-year-old’s humility as well as his professionalism.

The burly loosehead scoffed at the suggestion that Suaalii should not be brought directly into the squad without paying his dues in Super Rugby first.

With the Lions series just eight months away, Australia coach Joe Schmidt has suggested Suaalii will make his debut in one of the November tour fixtures against England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

As an outside back, Max Jorgensen could eventually compete with the newcomer for a place in the Wallabies squad, but he agreed with Bell about the impact Suaalii could have in rugby union.

Jorgensen has known Suaalii from school rugby circles in Sydney and their time together at rugby league team the Sydney Roosters.