Wallabies dealt major blow as Joseph Sua'ali'i stood down with immediate effect

Sua'ali'i picked up a minor hamstring strain during Australia’s dramatic 35-32 victory over Japan in Osaka last weekend and has now been withdrawn from the squad. The 23-year-old, who has endured an injury-hit 2026 campaign with the Waratahs, finished the first Test on the wing after starting at outside centre.

His latest setback once again raises questions about whether the former NRL star could eventually make a permanent move into the back three. Queensland Reds centre Josh Flook has been called into the Wallabies squad as cover.

Sua'ali'i’s absence is particularly significant given Australia are already without first-choice outside centre Len Ikitau, who is recovering from an ankle injury. That leaves Wallabies head coach Les Kiss facing a major reshuffle ahead of the Townsville rematch. Hunter Paisami started at inside centre in Osaka and could now be partnered by Isaac Henry, who made his Wallabies debut from the bench in the first Test.

Henry became Wallaby No.999 after being introduced during the second half and could now be handed his first Test start. Flook is another option for Kiss and has plenty of experience playing alongside Paisami at the Queensland Reds. The pair have regularly formed the Reds' midfield partnership and are both set to leave the club at the end of the year.

The Wallabies will also be without suspended lock Miles Amatosero, with Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto among the options to replace him. Kiss is expected to name his starting XV on Thursday ahead of Saturday's second Test in Townsville.

Australia will be hoping to complete a series sweep after edging Japan 35-32 in Osaka last weekend.