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Has Joseph Suaalii silenced his critics after dream Wallabies debut?
Annika Legg • November 11th, 2024 10:27 pm
Joseph Suaalii has starred in his Wallabies debut and led his team to a 42-37 victory over England at Twickenhan. The former rugby league star was also named player of the match for his efforts.
However, *SEN's* Andrew Voss remains steadfast in his opinion that the former NRL player has not earned a spot in the national team.
“My opinion remains 100% unchanged, whether Joseph dropped five balls or scored five tries, my opinion is that the national jersey of any sport has to be earned,” Voss said on *SEN 1170 Breakfast*.
“If that is the business model that Australian rugby league wants to run off, that you can just come in, we pay you big money and you are straight in to the starting side then good luck to you, but I will never subscribe to that.”
Voss explains his continued surprise at the decision to play Suaalii in the Australian team, given his lack of rugby union experience, believing this removes the integrity of the Wallabies jersey.
Sports broadcaster Matt Russell fired back at Voss and believes the 21-year-old's stellar performance in the opening match of the Wallabies' spring tour justifies his spot in the side.
“They signed a bloke who played for the Australian schoolboys, went into the rugby league area and delivered and because of a massive offer, jumped to the Wallabies,” Russell said on *SEN 1170 Breakfast*.
“Has he not earnt that jersey by everything he has done as an athlete?
“He amazed the Wallabies coach with his application and dedication.
“He doesn't cheapen the jersey, the jersey is now worth $1.6 million.”
The Wallabies' 42-37 win over England was their first victory at Twickenham since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The Wallabies will next play Wales in Cardiff on the next leg of their European Spring Tour.
However, *SEN's* Andrew Voss remains steadfast in his opinion that the former NRL player has not earned a spot in the national team.
“My opinion remains 100% unchanged, whether Joseph dropped five balls or scored five tries, my opinion is that the national jersey of any sport has to be earned,” Voss said on *SEN 1170 Breakfast*.
“If that is the business model that Australian rugby league wants to run off, that you can just come in, we pay you big money and you are straight in to the starting side then good luck to you, but I will never subscribe to that.”
Voss explains his continued surprise at the decision to play Suaalii in the Australian team, given his lack of rugby union experience, believing this removes the integrity of the Wallabies jersey.
Sports broadcaster Matt Russell fired back at Voss and believes the 21-year-old's stellar performance in the opening match of the Wallabies' spring tour justifies his spot in the side.
“They signed a bloke who played for the Australian schoolboys, went into the rugby league area and delivered and because of a massive offer, jumped to the Wallabies,” Russell said on *SEN 1170 Breakfast*.
“Has he not earnt that jersey by everything he has done as an athlete?
“He amazed the Wallabies coach with his application and dedication.
“He doesn't cheapen the jersey, the jersey is now worth $1.6 million.”
The Wallabies' 42-37 win over England was their first victory at Twickenham since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The Wallabies will next play Wales in Cardiff on the next leg of their European Spring Tour.
