“A lot of people have talked about him and that’s totally understandable. But like I have said, he’s not coming here to save the universe. He just has to do his bit in the team.”

Joseph Suaalii? Close. Rewind a decade or so and think, instead, of another high-profile cross-code star who made a shock switch to rugby on a phone-number salary, and under all the hype and headlines that go with it.

We are talking about Israel Folau, of course. Or more specifically, Michael Cheika was talking about Folau, a week or two out from his Waratahs debut in 2013.

Folau’s rugby career may have ended amid lawyers and bitterness but as Rugby Australia prepare to onboard Suaalii in coming weeks, the early days of their former poster boy could end up being a useful guide in how to not only figure out the best position of their new million-dollar man, but handle the crushing expectations attached as well.

Eighteen months after Suaalii’s shock decision to sign with rugby on a three-year, $5.4m deal, the 21-year-old’s actual switch is finally upon us.

The controversy has long since faded, leaving us now with only questions. Can Suaalii cope with the 10,000-watt spotlight that will come with a weekly payslip of $30,000?

Joseph Suaalii is about to begin his three-year deal with Rugby Australia.Credit: Digitally altered/Getty

Can Rugby Australia handle the expectation and pressure on their marquee man, and themselves, that they created by splurging on such a huge salary?

In the short term, will Suaalii go on the Spring Tour next month, and potentially even play for the Wallabies before he’s played a minute of Super Rugby? And, most basically, what position will he play?

Be it in........

© Brisbane Times