Joseph Suaalii injury delays Wallabies return ahead of Lions tour

Wallabies star Suaalii undergoes jaw surgery, casting doubt on availability for British and Irish Lions series.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Waratahs receives medical attention during the Super Rugby Pacific match between the Waratahs and Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium on May 9, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Pete Dovgan/Speed Media

By Amanda Zahra and Widya Putri

Wallabies rising star Joseph Suaalii is in a race against time to regain fitness before Australia’s highly anticipated Test series against the British and Irish Lions, after it was confirmed on Wednesday that he will require surgery for a fractured jaw. The injury has ruled the explosive back out of the remainder of the 2024 Super Rugby season and put his participation in July’s headline fixtures in serious doubt.

Joseph Suaalii injury emerges as a significant concern for Rugby Australia, who had hoped the 21-year-old would play a pivotal role in the mid-year internationals. Suaalii suffered the injury while making a heavy tackle during the New South Wales Waratahs’ clash with the Queensland Reds last Friday. Although he initially walked off with what appeared to be a minor concussion, follow-up medical checks revealed a small fracture in his jaw.

The Waratahs confirmed that Suaalii will undergo surgery this week and is expected to miss at least four weeks. The timeframe effectively rules him out of the rest of the Super Rugby season, which concludes in June. His recovery will be closely monitored by both the Waratahs' and Rugby Australia's medical teams.

Waratahs confirm surgery and four-week recovery timeline

“This is unfortunate for us and especially for Joseph,” Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar said in a statement. “We wish him all the best in his recovery and return to full health. We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies.”

The recovery window provides a glimmer of hope that Suaalii could still return in time for the Wallabies’ July fixtures. The Waratahs are scheduled to take on the touring British and Irish Lions in a warm-up match in Sydney on July 5, with the first of three Test matches between Australia and the Lions set for July 19 in Brisbane. Whether Suaalii will be fit and match-ready by then remains uncertain.

High expectations for Suaalii after code switch from NRL

The Joseph Suaalii injury setback comes just months after the high-profile star made the switch from the NRL to rugby union, signing a multimillion-dollar contract to join the Waratahs from the Sydney Roosters at the end of the 2024 NRL season. Despite playing limited minutes in Super Rugby due to the late transition, Suaalii had already impressed selectors and fans with his athleticism, versatility, and ball-handling skills.

Suaalii, who can cover wing, centre, or fullback, made a spectacular start to his rugby union career in late 2024 when he starred in a Test match for Australia against England at Twickenham. In that match, he was named player of the match after helping the Wallabies secure a 42-37 victory, showcasing the kind of form that has led many to tip him as a cornerstone of Australian rugby’s revival.

With his combination of power, speed, and composure under pressure, Suaalii had been touted as one of the Wallabies' most promising assets heading into a key stretch of international fixtures. His injury, however, complicates coach Joe Schmidt’s plans for the national team as they prepare for a rare and high-stakes Lions tour on home soil.

Wallabies face injury concerns ahead of Lions series

Suaalii is not the only injury concern for the Wallabies. The squad has dealt with several setbacks over the past month, as players push through a demanding Super Rugby campaign that has seen high attrition rates. While some experienced players are expected to return before the Lions arrive, the potential loss of Suaalii—who brings a dynamic edge to the backline—would be a major blow.

The Lions tour is a critical moment for Australian rugby, providing an opportunity to reassert themselves on the international stage. The Lions, composed of elite players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, are expected to bring a powerful and experienced squad to Australia, making every selection and player fitness update critical for the home side.

Suaalii’s recovery to be re-evaluated in June

The Waratahs have confirmed that Suaalii’s condition will be reassessed after four weeks of recovery. While the surgical procedure is considered relatively straightforward, the nature of jaw fractures and the physical demands of rugby mean that returning too soon could pose further risks.

“His recovery will depend not only on how the surgery goes but also on his ability to regain match fitness quickly,” said a Waratahs medical official. “We’ll work closely with Rugby Australia to map out a rehabilitation plan that gives him the best chance of returning in time.”

Rugby Australia has yet to comment officially on how Suaalii’s injury might impact national team selections. However, insiders suggest that Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt remains hopeful that Suaalii could feature in the second or third Test against the Lions if his recovery proceeds without complications.

Rising pressure on Wallabies' backline depth

Suaalii's absence—whether temporary or prolonged—highlights concerns over the Wallabies' backline depth. With key players still recovering from injuries and younger talents yet to fully establish themselves at international level, the coaching staff may have to look at alternative combinations. Players such as Mark Nawaqanitawase and Andrew Kellaway could be asked to step up, while selectors may consider recalling seasoned veterans to provide stability.

At just 21 years old, Suaalii still has a long international future ahead of him. But the Joseph Suaalii injury puts an unexpected pause on what many hoped would be a breakout season in his new code. With major Test series and a 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Rugby Australia will be cautious not to rush the young star back prematurely.