EXCLUSIVE: Matt Burke Foresees Defining Moment for Noah Lolesio’s Wallabies Future Following Japan Departure

Wallabies legend Matt Burke has stated that Noah Lolesio’s tenure as the Wallabies’ five-eighth has effectively come to an end following his decision to join a club in Japan next year.

Despite being the most frequently selected No.10 during coach Joe Schmidt’s leadership, Lolesio now finds his position jeopardised ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour.

Schmidt has consistently excluded players who have signed with overseas clubs during his time. For instance, Langi Gleeson was recently removed from a training camp invitation due to his commitment to playing in France next season and in 2027.

Lolesio has since explained that his choice stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding Schmidt’s successor as Wallabies coach.

“With Joe’s departure after The Rugby Championship, it certainly influenced my decision to leave,” Lolesio remarked on Monday.

“The unpredictability of who the next coach might be made it challenging for me to consider staying and having to go through the same process again.”

“I don’t hold Joe responsible; I completely understand his situation. He has a family to consider. I’m incredibly grateful for what he’s done for me, particularly last year, and I expressed my appreciation to him.”

“This uncertainty was one of the key factors in my decision to head overseas.”

During an episode of Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, Burke expressed his belief that Lolesio will struggle to earn selection for the national team moving forward.

“I think that’s it for him,” Burke opined.

“(Ben) Donaldson now finds himself in a strong position; he has prior experience in that role, he can kick goals and fill in at fullback as well, providing more depth.”

“I also think Tom Lynagh deserves consideration, he’s been performing well, even though he didn’t start over the weekend.”

“As for any Waratahs players, I can’t see them making the selection right now.”

Lolesio’s move follows the trend of Australian players taking their skills abroad, with Super Rugby clubs unable to compete with the lucrative offers from overseas leagues.

Burke characterised the situation as a dilemma between finances and national pride.

“It’s evident that money is drawing the line,” he remarked.

While Burke is convinced about Lolesio’s fate, fellow former Wallaby Morgan Turinui holds a different view.

“It’s tough to say what will happen with Joe Schmidt around. I favour selecting the best player; if Lolesio is the standout No.10 for the Lions series, he deserves a spot, especially if we aim to win,” Turinui stated.

“However, he must be significantly better and become the obvious choice. If was in a similar situation as Angus Bell, we’d pick him without hesitation because we need him.

“Lolesio finds himself competing against Lynagh and Donaldson. If it’s a toss-up, Schmidt may lean toward picking those likely to be in the future, considering the World Cup and Bledisloe Cup ambitions.”

“But if the Brumbies clinch the competition, and Lolesio is instrumental in that success, he still could be the top No.10 in Australia and earn his place in the Lions camp.”