Suaalii only played seven times for the Waratahs, and while McKellar lacked the player’s ability to find space, he still credits him with setting the standards off the field that he says are desperately needed at the Waratahs.
“What I love about him is how he applies himself to training and the professionalism with which he wants to compete in every practice,” says McKellar.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be key to the Waratahs’ success this year.Credit: Getty Images
“That’s what we need here. You talk about how we can change. Joseph and his professionalism and the way he approaches training, the way he approaches preparation, rub 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 center after playing six of NSW’s seven games at fullback last year. McKellar remains open to playing Suaalia in other positions if it’s right for the team.
“I’m definitely open to it,” McKellar says. “I think the key with any player of his ability is how you can get him into the game consistently.
“That’s a challenge and it’s not always easy in rugby. Rugby union is a game that’s built on competition. Every game is a competition for possession… we don’t want him to carry the ball or touch it three times a game. I want to have the ball in his hands 10 to 15 times a game, at least in attacking situations; allow him to do that with the defense where he can do it best.”
Charlie Gamble went into battle during the Waratahs’ clash with the British and Irish Lions in July.Credit: Getty Images
A gutsy performance from a badly depleted Waratahs side against a star-studded British and Irish Lions side in Sydney gave a glimpse of what is possible this season. In the 11-point defeat, young second-rower Miles Amatosero and breakaway Charlie Gamble stood out against some of the world’s best players and showed their huge potential.
McKellar is also looking forward to the emergence of Isaac Kailea, who lost the first-class talents of Angus Bell to Ulster loose this season.
Having played five times for the Wallabies, Kailea was expected to be the obvious stand-in for Bell last season but struggled to make the team and spent time in club rugby at Randwick. McKellar was impressed not only by Kaila’s daunting improvement, but also by his resilience in the face of adversity.
“We worked hard with him on his set and especially around his scrum,” says McKellar. “Isaac came to play loose prop not too long ago.
Isaac Kailea in action for the Wallabies.Credit: Getty Images
“He was excellent last year, he didn’t sulk and he understood the arguments.” [for being dropped]. He worked hard with him [scrum coach] Dan Palmer and I to improve in these areas.
“As a rugby player, he’s a real difference maker. He’s got good footwork, he’s strong, 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 endured a tough first season at the Waratahs but has kept an eye on what really matters and is trying to find more balance in his life outside of the demands of Super Rugby.
“There’s no one who puts more pressure on me than me to be honest,” McKellar says.
“The expectations that I have of myself and making sure that I allow these players to develop and give them a program and an 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 improve my balance. My family is in Brisbane at the moment so I need to make sure I have balance in my own life so when I walk through the door on Monday morning I feel fresh and energized and ready to go. Because if not, the players will definitely fall for it and the staff will be exactly the same. Looking after myself and having a training life away from the coach.”
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McKellar is a keen rugby historian and likes to challenge his players to consider how they will be remembered. He doesn’t just want to create a winning environment at the Waratahs, he wants to leave a legacy.
“How will we be remembered and who will remember us and what do you need to do to be remembered?” says McKellar.
“There have been over 100 years of NSW teams and if you ask the general public how many and who they remember, I think it would be pretty narrow.
“As a group, we really have to get after it and buy into what we want to be remembered for.”
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