Suaalii to start at fullback for NSW Waratahs' trial against Brumbies

Joseph-Aukuo Suaalii will make his first appearance for the NSW Waratahs in Saturday's trial against the ACT Brumbies at Bowral.

Suaalii will be trialled at fullback as part of a star-studded Waratahs backline in their final hitout before February 14's Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Highlanders.

The rugby league convert has been exclusively used as an outside centre at international level.

There's so much training you can do, but now it is about him putting into practice in a match situation what he's worked hard on ... building cohesion," coach Dan McKellar said.

“Thankfully, he was involved in the Wallabies tour and a number of the other players around him were too … your Jake Gordons, Kellaways, Jorgensens … these players. You know he's familiar with them now, and he's quickly building a nice combination with guys like Lalakai [Foketi] and Joe Walton as well."

Suaalii is one of ten Wallabies in the starting side, with three further on the bench.

This includes Taniela Tupou, with Dan Botha starting in the front row alongside the returning Dave Porecki and Angus Bell.

“The trial games are an opportunity to give people game time across the board,” McKellar said. “There's a lot, lot of players here who have worked incredibly hard over recent months. They got a good opportunity last week against NSW Pasifica.

“Then there's the players who have returned [from Wallabies commitments] over the last few weeks. They'll get an opportunity this week and that's what it comes down to … a chance for everyone to put their best foot forward for selection for 14 February."

For the Brumbies, they are going for a rotated squad in their first trial of the year, with the majority of the Wallabies saved for next week's trial against the Western Force

Coach Stephen Larkham will unveil new recruits Feao Fotuaika, Tuaina Taii-Tualima and David Feliuai in the starting side.

There are six Australia A players in the squad for the trial, including Rugby Championship debutant Luke Reimer and hooker Lachlan Lonergan.

“It’s been a long and hard pre-season for us, but the boys have applied themselves well throughout. To finally have a match on the horizon is exciting and to add to the sense of occasion, it’s against our oldest and biggest rivals," Larkham said. “This is the Waratahs final match ahead of the new season, so we know they will have a strong side out.

"Even though it is a Trial, and we’ll be trying different combinations on the field, we are treating it as an important game. We feel as though we have prepared as thoroughly as possible.”

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Daniel Botha, Ben Grant, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

REPLACEMENTS: Julian Heaven, Issac Kailea, Felix Kalapu, Hugh Sinclair, Jamie Adamson, Triston Reilly, Lawson Creighton, Darby Lancaster, Jack Grant, Henry O'Donnell, Leafi Talataina, Taniela Tupou

BRUMBIES (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Liam Bowron, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii-Tualima, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ben O’Donnell, David FeliuaI, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead

REPLACEMENTS: Lington Ieli, Billy Pollard, Lachlan Lonergan, Timma Fainga’anuku, Rhys van Nek, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Hooper, Jake Condon, Judah Saumaisue, Klayton Thorn, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Austin Anderson, Kadin Pritchard, Shane Wilcox