Last year, NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar accused players of being too comfortable. Has anything changed?
Suaalii has made just seven appearances for the Waratahs and although McKellar has missed the player’s ability to find space, he still credits him for setting the standard off the field that he believes is desperately needed at the Waratahs.
“What I love about him is how he applies himself in practice and the professionalism he wants to compete in every practice,” McKellar says.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be key to the Waratahs’ success this year.Credit: Getty Images
“That’s what we need here. You’re talking about how we can change. Joseph and his professionalism, how he approaches his training, how he approaches his preparation, how he rubs off on others. Players like that are incredibly valuable to your group.”
During the Wallabies’ tour of Europe in November, Suaalii regularly struggled to find a place at outside centre, having played six of his seven games at full-back for NSW last year. McKellar remains open to playing Suaalii in other positions if he is a fit for the team.
“I’m definitely open to it,” says McKellar. “I think the important thing for a player of his talent is how you can get him involved in the game constantly.
“That’s the challenge and it’s not always easy in rugby union. Rugby union is a game built around competition. Every tackle is a contest for possession… We don’t want him to carry the ball or touch the ball three times in a game. I want him to have the ball in his hands 10 to 15 times, at least in attacking situations, where he can best challenge the defense and that’s space.”
Charlie Gamble tackles as the Waratahs take on the British and Irish Lions in July.Credit: Getty Images
A gritty performance from a severely weakened Waratahs side in Sydney against a star-studded British and Irish Lions side provided a glimpse of what is possible this season. In the 11-point defeat, young second-rower Miles Amatosero and run-out Charlie Gamble stood out against some of the best players in the world, hinting at their immense potential.
McKellar is also looking forward to the emergence of Wallabies maverick prop Isaac Kailea after losing top-class talent Angus Bell this season due to a sabbatical at Ulster.
Kailea, who played five times for the Wallabies, was expected to be Bell’s assistant last season but struggled to break into the team and spent time at the rugby club in Randwick. McKellar was impressed not only by Kailea’s amazing progress, but also by her resilience when faced with challenges.
“We worked a lot with him, especially on his set piece and his offense,” McKellar says. “Isaac started playing stray prop a long time ago.
Isaac Kailea plays for the Wallabies.Credit: Getty Images
“Last year was outstanding, he didn’t sulk and understood the logic [for being dropped]. He worked hard with it. [scrum coach] Dan Palmer and I are trying to improve in these areas.
“He’s really making a difference as a rugby player. He’s got good footwork, he’s strong and he’s aggressive. He can be a real threat on both sides of the ball. He’s in a position to really take off in 2026.”
McKellar has had a difficult first season at the Waratahs but has maintained perspective on what is truly important and is trying to find more balance in his own life away from the demands of Super Rugby.
“Honestly, there is no one who puts more pressure on me than myself,” McKellar says.
“My expectations for myself and making sure I allow these players to develop and provide them with a program and environment where they can be the best rugby players and the best team they can be…
“I’m not afraid of pressure; I certainly don’t care what the keyboard warriors think.
“I need to develop balance. My family are in Brisbane at the moment so I need to make sure I have balance in my own life so that when I walk through the door on Monday morning I feel refreshed, energized and ready to go. Because if you’re not, the players will definitely be going for it and the staff will be exactly the same. Take care of yourself and make sure you have a life away from the laptops, the coaches’ books and the training ground.”
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McKellar is a passionate rugby historian and challenges his players to consider how they will be remembered. He not only wants to create a winning environment at the Waratahs, he also wants to leave a legacy.
“How will we be remembered, who will remember us, what do you have to do to be remembered?” McKellar says.
“NSW teams have a history of over 100 years and if you asked the public how many of them they remember and who they remember, I think it would be a pretty narrow number.
“We need to go for it as a group and embrace what we want to be remembered for.”
