Hooper’s lofty Suaalii comparison as tour looms

Wallabies great Michael Hooper believes Joseph Suaalii can have a Israel Folau-like impact in rugby as the NRL star prepares for a crash course in the game.
Suaalii signed a deal with Rugby Australia in March last year but only now can the 21-year-old focus on the code after his Sydney Roosters were dumped out of the finals by the Melbourne Storm on Friday.
Suaalii is likely to be included in the Wallabies squad for a grand slam Spring Tour that kicks off against England in London on November 10 (AEDT).
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Joseph Suaalii of Samoa breaks with the ball. Getty
The Samoa league international won’t necessarily be handed a first Test cap on tour but could well feature for a ‘Australia XV’ lineup that will play games against the Bristol Bears (November 9 AEDT) and England A (November 18 AEDT).
“I watched a bit of the Roosters game and he hurt himself early,” Hooper said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
“Like genuine dead arm and he got after it for the rest of the 78 minutes. I mean, he looks like a terrific athlete, doesn’t he?
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Israel Folau of Australia scores a try at Twickenham. Getty
“He probably can do things like an Israel, you know, and bring that to the side.”
Folau starred in the NRL before switching to rugby and scored 37 tries in 73 Tests.
Two of those tries were scored in a sensational debut against the British and Irish Lions – a scenario that could potentially play out again for Suaalii in the first Test in Brisbane on July 19 next year.
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“That’d be nice,” former Wallabies loose forward Stephen Hoiles said.
“I think he goes on that tour (in November). But I think, at the same time, we’ll we’ll work out pretty quickly – like I don’t think they’ll hand out a jersey to him for the sake of it.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching him play in the last couple of years, knowing he’s coming to rugby. I think he’s a lot tougher than people talk about – really enjoyed his toughness.
Jack Welsby of England clashes with Joseph Suaalii of Samoa. Getty
“So I’d take him on the Spring Tour for sure. I want to see him play against the Lions, if he’s good enough.
“Give him the best chance to do that.”
Suaalii aside, Hooper hoped Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt would opt for selection continuity after handing out 16 debuts this year.
Waratahs five-eighth Tane Edmed, however, is knocking on the door with some standout games for North Harbour in New Zealand’s NPC.
“I’d definitely love to see him in that Wallabies squad,” Hooper said.
“His performance at the moment is fantastic, like he’s given us some highlights.
Tane Edmed of North Harbour gets back in defence. Getty
“But these are the big pressure games (on the Spring Tour) that our players need to be playing in before the Lions next year…
“These are our last Tests before Lions and a lot of our players haven’t played up there in these big stadiums.
“They’re cauldrons and where you want to be playing your footy. Big pressure. Big moments.”