Source : ABC NEWS
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will undergo surgery after it was revealed he sustained a fractured jaw during the Waratahs’ 28-21 loss to the Reds.
Suaalii will be sidelined for at least four weeks and his availability for the Wallabies’ three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions will depend on how his recovery progresses.
The development comes after he was concussed against the Reds in Sydney on Friday night.
Suaalii was monitored by the NSW Waratahs’ medical team during and after the match, but experienced soreness in the days following the Reds encounter.
The Waratahs released a statement on Wednesday afternoon saying Suaalii had suffered a “small undisplaced fracture of the jaw”.
After consulting with specialists, it was decided he would undergo a “small” operation to “reinforce the area”.
The Waratahs said Suaalii’s condition would be reviewed after four weeks.
A return-to-play timeline would be made based on the review, although Suaalii will miss the final three rounds of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season.
Suaalii (left) has impressed for the Waratahs in his debut Super Rugby Pacific season. (Getty Images: Mark Nolan)
The only chance he has of playing again in the competition is if the eighth-placed Waratahs qualify for the six-team finals series.
Even if they were to make the finals, the earliest he will be available is the second week of the play-offs.
The Waratahs sit on 22 points, four shy of the Hurricanes, who hold down sixth position.
If Suaalii’s recovery goes to plan, he should be fit for the Wallabies’ first Test of the year, against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6.
The Lions series begins on July 19 in Brisbane.
“This is unfortunate for us and especially for Joseph,” Waratahs coach Dan McKelar 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.”
If fit, Suaalii is almost guaranteed to start for the Wallabies, although which position he would play is up for debate.
He has appeared at fullback for the Waratahs this season but may be selected at outside centre for the Wallabies to accommodate the ACT Brumbies’ Tom Wright at 15.
Wright was the Wallabies’ preferred fullback during the 2024 Test season.
Suaalii made his Test debut for the Wallabies against England at Twickenham last November, shortly after switching codes from rugby league.
The Waratahs face the Crusaders in Sydney on Friday night as they attempt to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
