You could hear the sighs of relief throughout the Prince Henry Centre.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is all systems go for the Super Rugby Pacific season opener on Valentine's Day.
"I just had a bit of a hiccup throughout the week (last week) but I'm going well now," Suaalii told Nine's Today at the competition launch in Sydney's Little Bay on Wednesday.
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Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Waratahs speaks during the 2025 Super Rugby season launch. Getty
"We've got training today so I'm back into that and I'm getting ready for next Friday. So I'm all good."
After dazzling the rugby world with the Wallabies last year, Suaalii is yet to make his Waratahs debut.
He was set to play fullback against the Brumbies in Bowral on Saturday but was a last minute withdrawal from the trial match to rest a knee niggle.
Beauden Barrett of the Blues and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Waratahs. Getty
The multi-million dollar NRL recruit is precious goods and, along with Beauden Barrett, was the centre of attention for reporters from both sides of the Tasman.
"He changed the game for the Wallabies last year on the northern tour," said Barrett, the two-time world player of the year.
"As a rugby fan it was great to see him come from league and just play so well – so we're all aware in New Zealand what this guy can do with the ball. It's great for the game and great for this competition.
"Obviously losing the Rebels, the other (Australian) teams have gained a lot of strength from that with players going to the various teams," added Barrett, playmaker for the defending champion Blues.
"The Waratahs are looking fairly strong at this stage but it's going to be a tough comp and we're looking forward to getting into it."
The Waratahs kick off their season against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on February 14.
