Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has hinted that Suliasi Vunivalu looms as a World Cup wildcard after the previous NRL premiership winger signed a brand new two-year take care of the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.
Ex-Melbourne Storm flyer Vunivalu has been battling accidents since switching codes on the finish of the 2020 NRL season.
However, he’s presently having fun with a protracted run of video games for the Reds and believes his greatest is but to come back within the 15-a-side code.
“I’ve started to play 80 minutes without any cramps or any little niggles, so I’m pretty excited with how I’m going; I can’t wait for the next couple of years here with the Reds,” Vunivalu mentioned.
“My game’s been getting better … and with my body, I’m stronger than when I got here.
“Having been speaking to the coaches, especially the strength and conditioning coaches, I’ve been doing a couple of extras every afternoon after training. That’s helped me a lot.”
Vunivalu, who has scored 15 tries in 26 appearances for the Reds, hasn’t performed a Test since making his debut for Australia in July final yr in opposition to England.
However, in April he was a part of a Wallabies coaching squad which assembled on the Gold Coast beneath Jones, who has excessive hopes for Vunivalu.
“Suli has the potential to be a Test matchwinner,” Jones mentioned.
“I’m really pleased with how he’s been progressing through Super Rugby and even happier that he’s committed his future to Queensland and the Wallabies.”
Despite Jones’ compliments, Vunivalu mentioned he was “not yet” assured about being chosen for this yr’s Rugby World Cup in France.
“Right now, for everyone, it’s about performing at Super Rugby level and then how you perform will determine whether you get (to the World Cup),” he mentioned.
“Eddie has been messaging after every couple of games, telling me what to do, what to work on, and what I need to do better, which has been really helpful.”
Vunivalu, 27, additionally paid tribute to departing Queensland coach Brad Thorn, saying the Reds have been eager to ship him out on the excessive of a Super Rugby Pacific finals berth.
A win over Fijian Drua in Suva on Saturday will safe the Reds finals soccer.
“It’s a big game, this one. I’m looking forward to this match against them,” the Fiji-born pleasure machine mentioned.
“It’s sad to see ‘Thorney’ go. We want to finish off on a positive for him. Hopefully we’ll be in the finals next week.”
Source: www.news.com.au
