Injuries have derailed Hunter Paisami’s ascent, but dual-code great Lote Tuqiri has declared the Queensland wrecking ball should be key to Australian rugby’s future.
Once seen as a ball-running inside centre, Paisami’s growth under Reds coach Les Kiss – the man tipped to succeed Joe Schmidt at the Wallabies – is perhaps best summed up by one moment last season.
Hunter Paisami’s evolution from ball-running centre to triple-threat earned him a Wallabies recall.Credit: Getty Images
Kiss implores his players to trust their instincts and defy the fear of making a mistake.
Buried deep in his half against the Blues, Paisami responded – kicking and regathering to unleash winger Tim Ryan.
It led his fellow Reds centre Isaac Henry to label him a triple-threat who had become “technically the best in the country”.
The 26-year-old earned a Wallabies recall, before a calf injury ended his Spring Tour ambitions the day before the squad flew to the UK.
Now he has his sights set on reclaiming his national jumper.
“That’s the goal for this year, but that starts off playing well here. It all comes down to my performances here at the Reds and, God willing, be healthy and stay on the pitch,” Paisami said.
“[Injury] is what comes with the sport, and the bonus as well was I got to be there for the birth of my child.
“The calf feels good. It was tough not heading over there to play against those quality teams, but it is what it is.”
Paisami’s star exploits on the Reds’ UK tour this month – his tough carries and bruising defence instrumental in a 38-31 triumph of Ulster – showcased what had caught Tuqiri’s eye.
The 67-Test veteran told this masthead Paisami’s development into a three-pronged weapon ensured he must be one of the first picked for the Lions tour and beyond.
“He plays really physically, which I really like, and he doesn’t let the opposition get it over him. He likes the rough and tumble, which I really liked as well, and he’s got good skills,” Tuqiri said.
“His catch pass is great, he can see a little jink in behind the line and roll the ball through – he’s got all the skills.
Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor were high-profile NRL defections to the Wallabies ahead of the 2003 World Cup.Credit: Craig Golding
“His game has evolved. I think as a 12/13 you’ve got to have that in your arsenal, and he definitely does.”
A clustered field is vying to partner him on the outside.
Tuqiri endorsed Reds No.13 and 2024 Test debutant Josh Flook as one of the most underrated prospects in Australian rugby, but the long-term future of NRL convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii could determine the Queensland hopeful’s chances.
Despite producing a man-of-the-match performance for the Wallabies at outside centre in his debut against England, the former Sydney Rooster will start at fullback to launch his Super Rugby tenure at the Waratahs on Friday.
“He’s a freak, he’s skilful and can play wherever you put him and whatever jersey you put on him.”
Hunter Paisami on Joseph-Aukoso Suaalii
Whether he takes the No.15 jumper in the gold jumper could hinge on the future of custodian Tom Wright, with the Brumbies’ sensation off contract this year.
The pressure of being the code’s $5 million man is a task Suaalii will need to navigate, but Tuqiri believed the 21-year-old had the character to withstand the expectations.
“He seems like he likes that big occasion and opportunities to make a difference,” Tuqiri said.
“I was one who liked playing in those big games, and liked the preparation of a big week, and that’s why you play the game.
“He’s a big-ticket player, and he’s only going to get better.”
