Wallabies great heralds arrival of new superstar
Voted by rugby fans as the "biggest hero" of the triumphant 2001 Wallabies side, Joe Roff is tipping Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to be the break-out star of this year's series against the British and Irish Lions.
Following the Brumbies' semi-final exit from Super Rugby Pacific, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is set to unveil his first squad of the year in Sydney on Thursday.
The squad will prepare for a one-off Test against Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, July 6 before the Wallabies who will tackle the tourists in Brisbane on July 19 are revealed on July 11.
Suaalii has declared himself "fully fit" for the three-Test campaign after fracturing his jaw last month and is a certain selection, with Roff saying the cross-code gun will bring the "X-factor" the Wallabies need to topple the star-studded Lions.
In 2001, the Wallabies got off to a slow start against the Lions and were comprehensively outplayed in the opening Test, losing 29-13.
But starting on the wing, Roff played a major role in wrestling back the series in game two in Melbourne.
Trailing 11-6 at halftime, he intercepted a Jonny Wilkinson pass to score seven minutes into the second half before adding a second as the Wallabies piled on the points to win 35-14.
They then clinched the series in Sydney 29-23 with Roff topping a Rugby Australia fan poll with 34 per cent of vote to be declared the "biggest hero".
The three-time World Cup ace said he watched Suaalii shine in his Test debut late last year against England and believed he would again perform on the big stage.
The pair share similar attributes, playing on the wing or at fullback, both known for their speed and power with ball in hand.
"I've been very impressed - he's obviously an incredibly gifted athlete, but he also understands the game, and he reads the game well, and he has the x-factor that you can't coach," three-time World Cup ace Roff told AAP.
"He's already proven what a wonderful player he's going to be for the Wallabies and I think this rubs off.
"You have to have a psychology of winning and I think this rubs off on the players around him, because they know that he's a guy that can turn a match, do something special and do have that x-factor that can win a Test match.
"That will be a great sort of psychological edge for those around him at the same time."
A two-time Super title winner with the Brumbies, Roff would like to see a swathe of players from Australia's top-ranked side rewarded with selection.
"The Brumbies should absolutely be, that's by virtue of the quality of play that the individuals are bringing to their game at the moment," Roff said.
He also felt with just one Test before facing the might of the Lions, there was value in selecting combinations within the side, such as in the halves with Brumbies duo Noah Lolesio and Ryan Lonergan.
"I'm an advocate for combinations, rather than splitting them up in key areas of the team," Roff said.
"They're very much in the same boat as we were in 2001 in terms of limited preparation and when you think about the Lions, they are already together now, so their combinations will be a lot more settled and prepared than ours will be.
"But the coaching team, the players, have known this for the last year or two, and there are already combinations that are in place, that are playing very well so it's going to be smoother to fall into the patterns that Joe Schmidt and the coaching team want.
"But it may be the same scenario where the Lions come in as a better prepared despite smashing together a whole lot of different nations."
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Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Goals, grabs and gutsy efforts: These are your team's most memorable moments so far in season 2025
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Lions fans still clearly love singing along to Take Me Home, Country Roads any time Cameron scores a goal at home. Carlton Best moments: Harry McKay's courage to step back and deal with his mental health meant he missed games early in the season, but his return climaxed with a match-winning goal against St Kilda in round nine. The outpouring of love and support was stirring. Looking forward to: Blues fans are still holding hope for a second-half resurgence, like they got from their team in 2023. So many of those players are still there and there are plenty of winnable matches coming up. Something I loved: George Hewett has enjoyed a career-best year for the Blues. His goal in the final minutes sealed the surprise win over Geelong in round seven. He's tough, tireless and keeps turning up. It was a win and a moment for Blues fans to savour. 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Coach Justin Longmuir's celebrations post-game showed what it meant to him after speculation over his future. It was Freo at their best, and the question is, can they keep it going? Looking forward to: With five wins on the trot, the Dockers now have their future in their own hands and the chance to solidify their spot in the top eight over the next two rounds against the Saints and Swans. Their fixture gets a bit tougher after that, but some testing matches leading into September should harden them for the challenges ahead, and the influential Hayden Young is due to return in that stretch of games. Something I loved: Luke Jackson's future seems a recurring story this season, but his superb play both in the ruck and when pushing forward has been eye-catching. Michael Frederick's speed and pressure play has also been a highlight. Both are just cracking the surface of what they can do. Geelong Best moments: The Bailey Smith comeback tour has taken all before it. 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John Noble gaining more than 1000 metres topped off a statement win. Like Noble, the Suns have come a long way. Looking forward to: A home final in Darwin … any final. The Suns are on track for the finals, maybe even the top four. A Darwin final seems out of the question, but the Suns are so good up north, they should ask the question. Something I loved: Mac Andrew's brash, high-flying performances, have showcased his unique assets. I also love how Nick Holman and Ben Long just put their heads down and make things happen. Andrew's last-minute spoil to secure a win against Adelaide was powerful, even if his post-game antics were a little silly. Meanwhile, Long and Holman's effort plays continue to set the standard for their teammates. Greater Western Sydney Best moments: Callan Ward's heartbreaking knee injury brought out all the feelings as Lachie Whitfield lovingly comforted his teammate. 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The Hawks say round 20 is their aim and they'll be counting down the days. Something I loved: Sam Butler returning against the Bulldogs in June after 418 days out following a broken leg in the VFL last April. Perserverance is a special trait, Butler clearly has it. Melbourne Best moments: Kysaiah Pickett has gone to a new level this season, winning the ball in the middle and still kicking goals and pressuring at an elite level. He's become a matchwinner for the Dees, most notably in the memorable win over Brisbane at the Gabba in round 10. Looking forward to: A second half run to the finals. Maybe Melbourne have done their dash, but they have a bunch of winnable games on the home stretch, especially if they can improve their efficiency up forward. They bring the drama, but they could still make the top eight. Something I loved: Max Gawn leading from the front. Gawn is still the top ruckman in the AFL and among the leading skippers. The Dees are a rollercoaster club, but Gawn's consistency stands out, even when he makes errors like his late-game turnover against Collingwood. North Melbourne Best moments: Roos skipper Jy Simpkin played through the grief of losing his beloved nan and his side saluted for him in the round 10 win over Richmond. Simpkin shed tears post-game but did his family and team proud. Looking forward to: If George Wardlaw and Paul Curtis can avoid injury and suspension, North fans would be overjoyed. Both match winners, these two have simply missed too much footy. I'd also love to see more Finnbar Maley. He brought spirit and physicality to the side when he was introduced. Something I loved: Luke Davies-Uniacke's re-signing was widely celebrated by the Roos faithful after watching for years as players, such as Jason Horne-Francis, walked out on the club and other outside free agents spurned generous offers to join the club. It's no fun to watch star players constantly join the same big clubs. Port Adelaide Best moments: Jason Horne-Francis' furious reaction to taunts from his former club North Melbourne and the efforts of captain Connor Rozee, vice captain Zak Butters and coach Ken Hinkley to calm him down was captivating in round seven. They hung on for the win. Looking forward to: A fitting send-off for Hinkley in his final games with wins on the field and full acknowledgement for his role in turning the Power's fortunes around. He deserves both in full measure. Something I loved: Willie Rioli had faced some unfortunate off-field dramas this season, some of his own making and some not. But I loved the way he took extra time for fans at Manuka Oval for pictures and photos, so much so that his team had to send out someone to get him for the team song. He's a fan favourite for a reason. Richmond Best moments: The young Tigers have won hearts this season, even while losing games. Tom Brown's match-saving tackle against West Coast showed why. 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Something I loved: It was a decade in the making but defender Joel Hamling kicked the first goal of his AFL career in the clash with GWS on May 5. He marked, was bowled over but still got up and converted under pressure. He's since goaled against Carlton and Melbourne. West Coast Best moments: From the heartbreak of Adam Selwood's untimely death, the Eagles' win over St Kilda on May 18 snapped an 11-game losing streak and came when supporters needed it most. Oscar Allen's emotional words post-game should ring out long after the match is forgotten. Looking forward to: The draft. I'm joking, but I'm not the only person who thought it. There are some winnable games to come, with GWS and Richmond flying west in July. A mark of the year flyer from Harley Reid or Liam Ryan would be a treat, too. Something I loved: Key defender Reuben Ginbey has faced a trial by fire, but his battle with Jeremy Cameron in round 12 was fun viewing. 'He got the chocolates,' Cameron said post game. 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The Age
7 hours ago
- The Age
Goals, grabs and gutsy efforts: These are your team's most memorable moments so far in season 2025
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Lions fans still clearly love singing along to Take Me Home, Country Roads any time Cameron scores a goal at home. Carlton Best moments: Harry McKay's courage to step back and deal with his mental health meant he missed games early in the season, but his return climaxed with a match-winning goal against St Kilda in round nine. The outpouring of love and support was stirring. Looking forward to: Blues fans are still holding hope for a second-half resurgence, like they got from their team in 2023. So many of those players are still there and there are plenty of winnable matches coming up. Something I loved: George Hewett has enjoyed a career-best year for the Blues. His goal in the final minutes sealed the surprise win over Geelong in round seven. He's tough, tireless and keeps turning up. It was a win and a moment for Blues fans to savour. Collingwood Best moments: Steele Sidebottom's renaissance has been eye-catching, headlined by his best-on-ground effort on Anzac Day and his winning goal against the Bulldogs. The league-leading Pies have had plenty of highlights from Ned Long's emergence to more Daicos brilliance. Looking forward to: Jordan De Goey's return. The premiership winner has battled an Achilles issue, but is training again, and with a flag up for grabs, his match-winning talents could be enough to push the Magpies to the ultimate prize. They may well need him late in the season, as they face a tough run home with games against the Lions, Hawks, Crows (away) and Demons in the final month. Effectively, their finals campaign will start early. Something I loved: Oleg Markov's Bunnings to Marvel Stadium performance against North. Craig McRae dragged him from outside the squad into the team and he starred in an undermanned team. His goal celebration for his baby son Lenny and post-game interview just topped it off. Essendon Best moments: The wins over Melbourne, Sydney and Port Adelaide were highlights but Nate Caddy's career-best display against the Lions was a league-wide statement of intent; his goal of the year contender won't be forgotten either. Zach Reid's defensive work in the wins over the Dees and Swans showed his promise when fit. Looking forward to: More Caddy, more Isaac Kako, more of the time. They are the future and the present. A healthy run from Reid, Mason Redman and Jordan Ridley in defence would be a godsend too. Something I loved: First-gamer Angus Clarke relished his MCG debut against Richmond kicking three goals, while the smiling South Australian country boy's post-game interview alongside dad Stuart was one for the ages. Fremantle Best moments: Shai Bolton and Andrew Brayshaw's desperate efforts led the Dockers to an emotional win on the Gold Coast last month. Coach Justin Longmuir's celebrations post-game showed what it meant to him after speculation over his future. It was Freo at their best, and the question is, can they keep it going? Looking forward to: With five wins on the trot, the Dockers now have their future in their own hands and the chance to solidify their spot in the top eight over the next two rounds against the Saints and Swans. Their fixture gets a bit tougher after that, but some testing matches leading into September should harden them for the challenges ahead, and the influential Hayden Young is due to return in that stretch of games. Something I loved: Luke Jackson's future seems a recurring story this season, but his superb play both in the ruck and when pushing forward has been eye-catching. Michael Frederick's speed and pressure play has also been a highlight. Both are just cracking the surface of what they can do. Geelong Best moments: The Bailey Smith comeback tour has taken all before it. Match-winning displays, classy goals, headbands, spicy comments that spawn wild reactions, a few minor indiscretions and even a fireside chat with the AFL boss. And we are only at round 15, what will he do in the run to the finals? Looking forward to: More Patrick Dangerfield up forward. Danger's reinvention as a match-winning goal-kicker has been fun to watch. Injury fears mean he will likely rest for a game here and there, but he has more games like his Melbourne and Adelaide performances to come. Something I loved: The speedy production of Max Holmes feels like it has been a little overshadowed by Smith and Dangerfield, but 40 touches against Gold Coast and his three-bounce, running goal against the Bulldogs showed he is class. Gold Coast Best moments: The Suns' win over Hawthorn in May had all kinds of meaning. They beat a contending side, won in Touk Miller's 200th game and continued their winning record in Darwin. John Noble gaining more than 1000 metres topped off a statement win. Like Noble, the Suns have come a long way. Looking forward to: A home final in Darwin … any final. The Suns are on track for the finals, maybe even the top four. A Darwin final seems out of the question, but the Suns are so good up north, they should ask the question. Something I loved: Mac Andrew's brash, high-flying performances, have showcased his unique assets. I also love how Nick Holman and Ben Long just put their heads down and make things happen. Andrew's last-minute spoil to secure a win against Adelaide was powerful, even if his post-game antics were a little silly. Meanwhile, Long and Holman's effort plays continue to set the standard for their teammates. Greater Western Sydney Best moments: Callan Ward's heartbreaking knee injury brought out all the feelings as Lachie Whitfield lovingly comforted his teammate. But true to his way, Ward dragged himself up and gave his side a stirring three-quarter-time address. They beat Richmond as a result. Looking forward to: More Brent Daniels and, hopefully, more Stephen Coniglio. Daniels returned last round from injury and should only get fitter from here, he's always been an X-factor for the Giants. Coniglio has battled injury in recent weeks, his leadership will be vital down the stretch. Something I loved: Win or otherwise, Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley continue to dominate in the air with their intercept possessions and marks. They are often looked over but rarely kicked over. Hawthorn Best moments: Jack Ginnivan's ball-showing taunt to the Bulldogs stands out to many fans, especially when he backs up the showmanship, but veteran Jack Gunston's 28 goals have been a pleasant surprise, including three late majors in the win over the Demons. Looking forward to: As goes Will Day, as go the Hawks. The injured midfielder can't return quick enough. The Hawks say round 20 is their aim and they'll be counting down the days. Something I loved: Sam Butler returning against the Bulldogs in June after 418 days out following a broken leg in the VFL last April. Perserverance is a special trait, Butler clearly has it. Melbourne Best moments: Kysaiah Pickett has gone to a new level this season, winning the ball in the middle and still kicking goals and pressuring at an elite level. He's become a matchwinner for the Dees, most notably in the memorable win over Brisbane at the Gabba in round 10. Looking forward to: A second half run to the finals. Maybe Melbourne have done their dash, but they have a bunch of winnable games on the home stretch, especially if they can improve their efficiency up forward. They bring the drama, but they could still make the top eight. Something I loved: Max Gawn leading from the front. Gawn is still the top ruckman in the AFL and among the leading skippers. The Dees are a rollercoaster club, but Gawn's consistency stands out, even when he makes errors like his late-game turnover against Collingwood. North Melbourne Best moments: Roos skipper Jy Simpkin played through the grief of losing his beloved nan and his side saluted for him in the round 10 win over Richmond. Simpkin shed tears post-game but did his family and team proud. Looking forward to: If George Wardlaw and Paul Curtis can avoid injury and suspension, North fans would be overjoyed. Both match winners, these two have simply missed too much footy. I'd also love to see more Finnbar Maley. He brought spirit and physicality to the side when he was introduced. Something I loved: Luke Davies-Uniacke's re-signing was widely celebrated by the Roos faithful after watching for years as players, such as Jason Horne-Francis, walked out on the club and other outside free agents spurned generous offers to join the club. It's no fun to watch star players constantly join the same big clubs. Port Adelaide Best moments: Jason Horne-Francis' furious reaction to taunts from his former club North Melbourne and the efforts of captain Connor Rozee, vice captain Zak Butters and coach Ken Hinkley to calm him down was captivating in round seven. They hung on for the win. Looking forward to: A fitting send-off for Hinkley in his final games with wins on the field and full acknowledgement for his role in turning the Power's fortunes around. He deserves both in full measure. Something I loved: Willie Rioli had faced some unfortunate off-field dramas this season, some of his own making and some not. But I loved the way he took extra time for fans at Manuka Oval for pictures and photos, so much so that his team had to send out someone to get him for the team song. He's a fan favourite for a reason. Richmond Best moments: The young Tigers have won hearts this season, even while losing games. Tom Brown's match-saving tackle against West Coast showed why. His quote post that he was going to get 'smoked in the review' if he hadn't made the tackle just topped it off. Looking forward to: The Tigers would love to see No.7 pick Josh Smillie get his debut, but injury has stopped him so far. There's plenty of optimism about his promise as a playmaker and goal-kicking threat, while it would be a blessing seeing defender Josh Gibcus return from his latest injury. Something I loved: Top pick Sam Lalor has wowed the Tigers faithful from his first few training sessions right up to now, including the round one win over Carlton. Seth Campbell has gone to a new level this season and deserves his flowers. St Kilda Best moments: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's evolution into one of the AFL's elite ball-users, and Jack Macrae's re-emergence as an elite ball-winner have been compelling to watch. But Marcus Windhager's tagging job on Kysaiah Pickett in the round 12 win over Melbourne in Darwin showed the application and dedication Saints fans are looking for. Looking forward to: A Jack Higgins Coleman Medal. Could the Saints small forward run over the top of the big guns? Heading into round 15, he was on 30 goals from 13 games, 14 off leader Jeremy Cameron. Pipe dream? Maybe, but if Higgins can get more shots on goal, you couldn't rule him out. Something I loved: More big marks and celebrations from Mitch Owens. I love the bow, a nod to his Japanese heritage, and I hope we see Owens bring it out some more. I also love his attack on the ball when it is there to be marked. He's special. Sydney Best moments: Riley Bice's rise from excavator driver in Albury to AFL player is a feel-good story. He's played 12 games since his debut, his match-winning display against North in round four was beautiful to see. Looking forward to: Some more home wins, hopefully. North Melbourne and Essendon are both due at the SCG in coming weeks, and the Swans faithful deserve the chance to go home happy. Something I loved: It was a decade in the making but defender Joel Hamling kicked the first goal of his AFL career in the clash with GWS on May 5. He marked, was bowled over but still got up and converted under pressure. He's since goaled against Carlton and Melbourne. West Coast Best moments: From the heartbreak of Adam Selwood's untimely death, the Eagles' win over St Kilda on May 18 snapped an 11-game losing streak and came when supporters needed it most. Oscar Allen's emotional words post-game should ring out long after the match is forgotten. Looking forward to: The draft. I'm joking, but I'm not the only person who thought it. There are some winnable games to come, with GWS and Richmond flying west in July. A mark of the year flyer from Harley Reid or Liam Ryan would be a treat, too. Something I loved: Key defender Reuben Ginbey has faced a trial by fire, but his battle with Jeremy Cameron in round 12 was fun viewing. 'He got the chocolates,' Cameron said post game. Cameron finished with five goals, but four of them came in the Cats' last-quarter surge, after Ginbey had won a number of earlier contests.
West Australian
8 hours ago
- West Australian
Perth braced for rugby mania as British and Irish Lions prepare for first Australian tour since 2013
Perth braced for rugby mania as British and Irish Lions prepare for first Australian tour since 2013
