Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Could Crichton's code switch help unlock Sua'ali'i for Wallabies?
Nicholas Quinlan • March 15th, 2026 9:15 pm
Wallabies legend Michael Hooper has given his thoughts on where Roosters star Angus Crichton could feature for the Wallabies once he switches codes.
The 30-year-old announced in January that he signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia, which will see him play for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby from next season.
This sees Crichton available for the Wallabies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
The second rower is certainly no stranger to Union, having previously been selected for the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2014 as a forward (specifically as a No. 8).
But the 125-Test Wallaby believes that the 200-game NRL player is more likely to feature as a back.
From there, Hooper thinks that with a reshuffling of the backs to accommodate Crichton, it could unleash the potential of rising star Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i, who is currently injured with a hamstring tear.
“From the places I’m hearing from, he’ll look good in No. 12 jersey,” Hooper told SEN 1170's The Run Home.
“So inside centre is what I’m hearing.
“Len Ikitau has been world-class at 13 for the Wallabies, and he’s been moved to 12 with big Joseph moving into 13 there.
“But Joseph hasn’t really clicked in that position yet.
“So, if you get someone like Gus coming over and going to 12, then you’ve got Ikitau at 13.
“And I still think Joseph probably is suited to fullback (No. 15). You just want to see the ball in that guy's hands (and) give him more space.
“The back three for the Wallabies with Mark (Nawaqanitawase) coming back as well. The back three is not a problem with Max Jorgensen…providing they can stay fit.”
“It’s how you get the ball to them. So, your No. 10 jersey, who’s going to take that role?”
Conversely, Hooper acknowledges there are no guarantees Rugby League stars like Crichton will have success in the 15-man game.
“Gus could be, and I say could be because it doesn’t always work,” he added.
“We saw with Sam Burgess back in 2015.
“He was amazing, but it didn’t quite click.
"Did he have a long enough runway to get going there? Was he played the right way?
“So that’s going to be the management of when he goes to the Waratahs and the Wallabies.
“It’s an exciting opportunity; they’ve just got to get it right.”
