Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's knee injury has thrown a curveball into Dan McKellar's plans for the Waratahs' Super Rugby season opener against the Highlanders on February 14.
Suaalii was named at fullback for NSW's trial match against the Brumbies in Bowral on Saturday, as new coach McKellar rolled out what looked to be his top team – or close to it – at Eridge Park but prized recruit Suaalii was a late scratching with a knee injury.
That setback allowed fellow Wallabies gun Max Jorgensen to switch from the wing and into the No.15 jersey – where he impressed in a 36-all shootout in front of 4000 fans.
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Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii catches a ball at Waratahs training. NSW Waratahs
"It's a minor issue. He just pulled up a little bit sore," McKellar said of Suaalii.
"It's a trial game, so we let him stay at home and ice up. Rest, recovery, physio treatment, and we're hoping he will train Wednesday. He knew it wasn't worth risking so you look at the bigger picture."
Jake Gordon, Dan McKellar and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Waratahs. NSW Waratahs
But NSW's acting director of performance, Andrew Cleverley, admitted Suaalii's injury could force a rethink on where he plays in round one.
"Definitely 15 is my preferred position," Jorgensen told Wide World of Sports before the trial match.
"But I'll play anywhere that's best for the team. Wing, fullback, bench, wherever that is – I just want to be a part of it and a part of the journey this year so we'll see where that takes me."
Max Jorgensen of the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium. Getty
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt used Suaalii in the centres and Jorgensen on the wing during last year's Spring Tour.
But McKellar has said he won't be influenced – and doesn't expected to be asked to do so – by higher powers.
"We'll see how he (Suaalii) goes at training and nail down his position over the next couple of weeks," McKellar said.
Last year's wooden spooners are now flush with backline options.
Wallabies gun Andrew Kellaway started on the right wing in Bowral with fellow Rebels recruit Darby Lancaster promoted to start on the left flank.
"We're trying new positions at training, so the boys are gelling well and wherever we play, it doesn't really matter," Jorgensen said.
The Waratahs parted ways with Darren Coleman following an awful 2024 campaign and McKellar has wasted no time cracking the whip.
"Dan's been really good. I just feel like the standards are a lot higher," Jorgensen said of the former Brumbies coach.
"A whole new group of boys and coaching staff so it's exciting. We've got a very good team, but that's only on paper, so we've got to put the hard work in getting ready for round one."
Mike Catt poses in his new Waratahs kit. Getty
Jorgensen has also been spending plenty of time learning the ropes from new Waratahs attack coach Mike Catt.
Catt played 75 Tests for England and came off the bench in the iconic 2003 Rugby World Cup final.
He has since forged a strong coaching career but, unfortunately for him, will always be remembered for being trampled by Jonah Lomu during his four try rampage in the 1995 World Cup semi-final.
England's Mike Catt fails to tackle New Zealand's Jonah Lomu. Getty
That was 10 years before Jorgensen was born.
"It was a bit before my time – more Dad's era," he quipped, referring to former Wallabies winger Peter.
"But, yeah, I've obviously seen clips of him and heard so much about him when he was playing. He was a great player and we're lucky to have him at the Tahs.
"He's got a lot of experience and I'm learning a lot off him."
Jorgensen and Catt can both chat about starring at Twickenham.
But the former claims he didn't spend his summer holidays, spent partly in Thailand, watching replays of his dramatic match winner over England.
Max Jorgensen of Australia celebrates as he scores his winning try. Getty
"But it's a thing you dream of as a kid," the 20-year-old said.
"Not only the try itself but getting to enjoy the moment with all the boys on the pitch and in the stands and the change rooms.
"That's the main thing I remember, just the joy of getting a win like that. It was back and forth and just the joy of being with your teammates after the game and the smile on your face and the feeling… just nothing beats it."
