Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s busy first year in rugby has seen the star awarded the Rookie of the Year - and the award has come at a time when the outside centre has been in a place of reflection.
The Rugby Australia Awards arrived fresh off a 12-day break for the Wallabies following the end of the Rugby Championship, ending a period that has seen the side take on the toughest opposition in the world almost non-stop since July.
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However, in such a pressure cooker environment, Suaalii has thrived, combining perfectly with John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau to become one of the breakout centre combinations in all of World Rugby.
Though for the man himself, it’s been the journey that’s been the greatest joy.
“We've had 12 days off, so it's been great to reflect the whole year,” Suaalii said to reporters on Friday night after receiving his award.
“It's been a year since I've made my debut here… I've enjoyed the travel, I've enjoyed the playing group, I've enjoyed a lot of things that rugby brings.
“Meeting new mates and playing the game as well, I've really enjoyed it.
“It's been great since my first game at Twickenham, we've really grown as a group, like I was.
“We are growing as a team and we're getting better by each session, each game, there's a real trust and belief and it's going really well.”
While the 14-capped Wallaby has flourished, he admitted the travel has been one of the biggest challenges to adjust to compared to his time in league.
It comes as the side departed for Japan shortly after the award ceremony to commence their Spring Tour.
“[The biggest challenge is] probably just getting used to the travel, in league you don't really travel across the world and train there,” Suaalii added.
“For myself, that's probably been the biggest challenge - but it's been exciting too, so always up for a challenge.”
Despite claiming an award that the likes of Andrew Kellaway, Taniela Tupou, and Nick Frost have before him, Suaalii was quick to ground praise for his own work, believing the team effort around him contributed to the achievement.
“I don't play the game for awards,” Suaalii added.“I only play to win as a team, that's how I see it.
“Winning this award is a reflection of the team helping me get this award, so anything I do is just for the team, and we're really going well.”
