Sonny Bill Williams has encouraged rising star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to maintain his aggressive style of play, which he feels distinguishes him from other rugby players. Williams, a notable dual-code athlete, identifies similarities between himself and Suaalii, who has recently become a prominent figure for the Wallabies following his transition from the NRL.
Recently, there was relief in Rugby Australia when Suaalii was diagnosed with no serious injuries, aside from a grade one concussion, after a concerning incident in which he was struck by teammate Andrew Kellaway’s knee. This injury will keep him sidelined for at least the upcoming vital Super Rugby Pacific match against the Crusaders as he navigates the return-to-play protocols.
Williams spoke to the media about Suaalii’s potential, praising his physical play style and versatility, despite the challenges he faces due to head injuries. He expressed optimism about Suaalii’s future, suggesting that he should perhaps play in the fullback position for a while to help preserve his playing style.
Having enjoyed a stellar rugby career that included two Rugby World Cup victories with the All Blacks, Williams reflected on the setbacks he faced, including a red card for a high tackle during a match against the British and Irish Lions. He empathised with Suaalii, who similarly faced disciplinary issues with a red card in a State of Origin match last year.
Williams acknowledged the difficulty Suaalii encounters due to his height and physicality, noting that while it’s essential for him to work on technique, he should remain fearless on the field. He believes that maintaining a strong mindset is crucial during matches, while also emphasising the importance of improving tactical collaboration with teammates.
Williams highlighted the importance of finding a balance between player safety and the physical nature of rugby. He stated that while safety must be a priority, it’s equally important for the sport to retain its gladiatorial essence to attract future generations.
He concluded by reiterating that player safety is paramount, but the sport’s inherent physicality is what players sign up for, and both aspects need ongoing attention to ensure rugby remains a beloved pursuit.