The 'carrot' that sparked Suaalii's Rugby Union switch
Aukuso Suaalii said on Monday that the prospect of facing the British and Irish Lions had inspired him to switch from Rugby League last year.
The 21-year-old wing, who was the player-of-the-match on debut for the Wallabies against England at Twickenham in November, said that playing against the Lions would eclipse his achievement of playing in Rugby League’s fierce State of Origin rivalry.
“Yeah, that was probably the biggest carrot for myself,” he told reporters ahead of Saturday’s first Test in Brisbane.
“These are the biggest games, they happen only every 12 years, so that was probably the biggest thing coming across.”
Suaalii said he had been inspired by the two tries scored by another Rugby League convert, Israel Folau, in the opening Test of the 2013 series, the last time the Lions toured Australia.
“I was nine. In my house, all the young kids were sitting on the floor, and I just remember being really close to the TV,” he said.
“I remember watching [Folau], Kurtley Beale, all these different players do their thing in the game and it sparked something for myself,” he added.
“So to be a part of this squad, it’s amazing.”
Suaalii played down any thoughts he might carry on a feud with Lions centre Sione Tuipulotu when they renew hostilities on Saturday.
The pair had to be separated when they first encountered each other at Murrayfield last November.
Suaalii had stayed down after injuring his arm in a big hit on Scotland captain Tuipulotu, who then fired off some verbals at the Wallaby.
Suaalii jumped back to his feet and said: “I will see you next time,” before heading off for treatment.
“I feel like there’s been a lot of talk around that moment, but at the end of the day it’s just a game of footy,” Suaalii said.
“I’m a big believer that whatever is said on the field stays on the field.
“I’m not going to speak on it. Obviously, fans want to see a rivalry and all that, but at the end of the day, it’s a team sport and I’m just trying to do the best for the team.”
