Wallabies coach Eddie Jones declared Suliasi Vunivalu is a potential “Test match winner” after the winger re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds until the end of 2025.
The former NRL star has made only one appearance for the Wallabies, against England in 2022, but Jones remains intrigued with his physical profile.
Jones picked Vunivalu in his first training squad in April and used a cattle prod stunt in a bid to provoke a positive reaction in camp.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
The injury plagued 27-year-old has scored 15 tries in 26 games for the Reds and remains firmly in the mix for Rugby World Cup selection.
“Suli has the potential to be a Test match winner,” Jones said.
“I’m really pleased how he’s been progressing through Super Rugby and even happier that he’s committed his future to Queensland and the Wallabies.”
LIVE UPDATES: State of Origin 2023 Game 1
READ MORE: Lockyer’s grim ‘omen’ reveal after Maroons training disaster
READ MORE: Another premiership star set to leave Panthers
Vunivalu back in try-scoring form
Vunivalu had been linked with a potential return to the NRL after struggling to master the rival code but was comfortable with his decision.
“I’m enjoying my time in rugby,” Vunivalu said.
“I’ve learned plenty with the Reds and Wallabies and know there’s a long way to go If I want to achieve my goals. We’ve got a great group of players and staff at Ballymore. I’m enjoying working alongside them every day.
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Morgan Turinui and Stephen Hoiles unpack the drama of the Super Rugby Pacific finals race and some thrilling fixtures in the northern hemisphere
“It’s an exciting year for the Wallabies with the World Cup. I’m doing everything I can to be a part of it after the Super Rugby season.”
Former Wallabies halfback Sam Cordingley, who now works for the Reds, believed Vunivalu’s best was yet to come.
“We’ve been impressed with Suli’s progress over the last three seasons,” Cordingley said.
Vunivalu runs the length of the field
“He is a really popular member of the group. He is improving game by game and has plenty more to offer for the Reds and Wallabies. We’re looking forward to seeing him continue and push for higher honours over the next two seasons.”
Vunivalu is set to return to his birth city Suva for Queensland’s final round game against the Fijian Drua on Saturday.
The Reds sit seventh on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder and need to win to ensure a spot in the finals.
Meanwhile, RA also announced the re-signing of Wallabies and Western Force prop Tom Robertson through to 2025, which includes a sabbatical studying at Oxford University in 2024.
The 28-year-old has played 31 Tests for the Wallabies and also boasts an impressive academic record with a Bachelor of Medical Science, Master of Public Health and a Master of Philosophy-Medicine.
Robertson has now been awarded a John Monash Scholarship to undertake a Master of Public Policy at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government.
“This is about how to try and get governments to give the medical system more money, especially where I’m from in Dubbo,” Robertson said.
“It’s not every day people come together and allow you to miss half a year of rugby.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
