Rugby Australia’s new $5 million player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has revealed former Wallabies star Israel Folau is an idol and inspiration of his.

Like Folau, Suaalii is making the move from league to association ahead of the British and Irish Lions series and will now look to make his Test debut for the Wallabies during the Autumn Nations Series.

Speaking at the new launch Wallabies The jersey to be worn in 2025 lions series, suaalii He said he was enjoying the challenge of making the transition to 15-a-side play and revealed he had contacted Folau for advice.

“I really admire Folau”

Folau He is a controversial figure in Australian rugby after having his contract terminated in 2019 after posting on Instagram that ‘hell awaits’ homosexuals and adulterers.

“I met Israel when I was 14, I really respected him when I was younger,” the code hopper said.

“As a little kid, I really wanted to ask a lot of questions – I think that’s my real strength, learning – and Israel was someone I could look up to and ask questions.

“I catch up with him every now and then, and he’s a great mentor in my life.”

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When asked what the best advice Folau had given him, Suaalii added: “Izzy is a man who doesn’t talk much, but from what I understand he is a man who always pays attention to his actions.

“First of all, he’s a great guy and the biggest thing I learned from him is that he’s a great guy outside of football.”

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Pressure and criticism to switch

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt said the 21-year-old is likely to make his international debut in the Tests in November when Australia will take on England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

It was a move that was widely criticized despite the former league star having yet to play a professional association game.

Suaalii, who made his NRL debut as a 17-year-old – a rare feat – is used to the weight of expectations and the criticism that comes with it, and explained that he wasn’t too bothered by the backlash.

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He also revealed that his stint at the Wallabies camp in 2013, when he was still a teenager, sparked his dream of representing Australia in the union.

“Everyone has their own opinion and that is respected, but I follow my own path,” he added.

“I’m making my own path and dreaming what I want to dream, just living the life I want to live.

“I see this as a privilege, not an expectation.

“I went to camp as a kid and met Kurtley Beale, Allan Alaalatoa, and James Slipper was there too; “It’s great to now be in a position to put on the Wallabies jersey and inspire young kids.”

He added: “I watched the Lions tour in 2013, Israel Folau making his Test debut and Kurtley Beale kicking and sliding to score the winner. “The memories of seeing that on TV and watching it, especially given the spring tour and the Lions tour coming up, are great for the Wallabies “It’s always been my dream to wear it.”

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