Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii misses Waratahs match due to toe injury

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, the multimillion-dollar signing, has been sidelined for Friday night’s match between the Waratahs and Fijian Drua due to a toe injury sustained in the opening round.

Inside centre Joey Walton will also be absent from the game at Allianz Stadium after picking up a groin injury during the Waratahs’ initial encounter against the Highlanders.

Andrew Kellaway, another Wallaby, will take Suaalii’s place, while Lalakai Foketi will move from outside centre to inside centre to cover for Walton.

Harry O’Donnell is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut at outside centre, and Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea will also be making his Waratahs debut after joining from the now-defunct Melbourne Rebels at the conclusion of the previous season.

“We don’t have all the details yet,” commented Waratahs coach Dan McKellar regarding Suaalii’s injury.

“But we’re hopeful it’s only short-term. He came back feeling a bit sore but appeared to recover quite well, and we thought he would be fit for this weekend, unfortunately, that’s not the case,” McKellar added.

Suaalii departed the Sydney Roosters for the Wallabies and Waratahs following the 2024 NRL season, signing a three-year contract rumoured to be valued at $5.3 million.

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His contract also contains a two-year player option worth $4 million, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

The Waratahs commenced their Super Rugby Pacific season with a thrilling 37-36 win against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium, followed by a bye in the second round.