Suaalii was tempted to switch codes, with the Lions series and the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia in mind
Australia's big-money backline signing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii says he will be ready to face the British and Irish Lions this summer, despite jaw surgery that made it so hard to eat he lost 5kg in weight.
The 21-year-old was recruited from rugby league side Sydney Roosters on a three-year-deal worth a reported A$5.35m (£2.6m) and made his professional union debut in the Wallabies' win over England in November.
However, he fractured his jaw in a collision with Waratahs' team-mate Andrew Kellaway in May, raising fears he could be out of contention for the Lions series.
"Yeah, I'll be fully fit for the Lions," said Suaalii, assessing himself as "97%" of the way back already.
