Fresh Suaalii injury blow leaves Lions status in limbo

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Fresh Suaalii injury blow leaves Lions status in limbo

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii requires surgery on a fractured jaw that’s placed him in doubt for the Wallabies’ blockbuster British and Irish Lions duel.

The code-hopping NSW Waratahs star copped an accidental knee from a teammate in Saturday’s loss to the Queensland Reds and was carted from Allianz Stadium in a medicab.

The 21-year-old was concussed but there was optimism he would miss just one week as the Waratahs pushed for a Super Rugby Pacific finals spot.

But on Wednesday the Waratahs revealed their star NRL convert required surgery to reinforce a fractured jaw.

A review in four weeks will then determine a return-to-play time frame, leaving the supreme talent in massive doubt ahead of the much-hyped three-Test series that begins in Brisbane on July 19.

The Wallabies begin their Test season against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6.

“We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.

Suaalii made a statement in his Test debut last year before he’d even played a game for the Waratahs and has since flourished playing both at fullback and in the centres.

Speaking on Monday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said that he’d prefer not to wrap Suaalii in cotton wool.

“I’m keen to see him keep playing,” he said.

“He’s missed a few games already this season. He hasn’t had that many games anyway so, for Joseph, it’s important that he just keep playing when he’s fit and available to play.”

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