Waratahs Coach Expresses Concern Over Uncommon Injury to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

The NSW Waratahs’ head coach Dan McKellar has announced that star recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is likely to be sidelined for several matches due to an uncommon toe injury.

Initially, McKellar downplayed concerns surrounding Suaalii after the fullback missed training in the lead-up to their home game against the Fijian Drua in Sydney.

“Joe’s doing well. Occasionally, you need to put the Ferraris in the garage,” he remarked.

Unfortunately, Suaalii was unable to participate in the exciting 29-24 victory at Allianz Stadium, and McKellar later acknowledged that the 21-year-old would be out for an extended period.

“It’s not a long-term issue. It’s a toe injury, which isn’t something you encounter frequently,” McKellar informed media representatives.

“It’s not like a medial ligament or an AC (acromioclavicular joint) injury, so we are optimistic he will be back in a couple of weeks,” McKellar added.

The Waratahs, currently 2-0, will next face three consecutive Australian derbies, starting with a home fixture against the Western Force on Saturday.

“I’ll manage him like any other player: there’s a difference between being fit to play and being fit to perform,” McKellar elaborated.

“When he’s ready, he’ll be considered for selection,” he added.

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In Suaalii’s absence, Andrew Kellaway shifted from the wing to fullback, while Henry O’Donnell made his debut in the centres, replacing the injured Joey Walton.

“O’Donnell performed well, he’s a tough kid and defended strongly. For his first outing, he can be pleased with his performance,” McKellar commented.

“We’ve lost two players who are capable of playing in the centres in both Joey Walton and Suaalii, which presents a challenge in the midfield, but we’re managing,” he added.

“As I’ve mentioned before, the number on the back of your jersey doesn’t impact us significantly.”

The Waratahs have already secured as many victories this season as they did under their previous coach Darren Coleman in 2024 and are currently one of only three unbeaten teams, joining the Chiefs and Queensland Reds.