'Everyone has an opinion': Joseph Suaalii 'ready' for Wallabies challenge after NRL switch

Joseph Suaalii has brushed aside criticism of his switch from the NRL to rugby union, with the former Roosters star "ready to go" if selected for Wallabies duties.

The 21-year-old finished his commitments in Bondi just over two weeks ago, but has already got his feet on the ground as part of a camp in the nation's capital.

Suaalii completed his first training session back in the 15-man code on Monday, with the upcoming Spring Tour a potential opportunity for his international debut.

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Speaking to media in Canberra, Suaalii revealed there had been little insight from coach Joe Schmidt about his plans for the overseas fixtures, but won't shy away from the challenge should he be called up for the green and gold.

"I met Joe yesterday and honestly, we just spoke about family and getting to know each other ... haven't really spoken about footy," he said.

"I still feel fresh, I've had a couple of weeks. I got away for a bit, went to Hamilton Island and had a break there and back training now.

"I needed rest from that NRL season. It's a long gruelling season. Now it's just about learning each day, sitting down and going through film just to learn. I've played the game before and I'm very confident in my abilities. 

"I've always been open to playing centre, wing or fullback. If the coach put me anywhere, I feel like I'm just a footy player at the end of the day. I'm ready to play, I don't really have a preferred position.

"Wherever Joe puts me, I'll just put my head down and learn as much as I can and just play footy. At the end of the day, it's a game of footy - nothing else.

"If they throw me in, I'm ready to go. I've always backed myself playing footy and back myself going against anyone and I'm very confident in my abilities."

Suaalii previously played for the Australia U18s team alongside Angus Bell, but has spent close to half a decade plying his trade in rugby league full-time.

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His three-year deal with Rugby Australia - worth more than $5 million - has already led to increased scrutiny on the young superstar, but Suaalii is confident he can handle it.

"At the end of it, it's my life and my dreams and what I want to do," he said.

"Everyone is gonna have an opinion on it, which is respected, but at the end of the day what I want to do is come and play for the Waratahs and Wallabies. 

"I'm ready for that [outside noise]. As a young kid coming into the NRL, I feel like I had a lot of eyes on me coming through and it's no different."

Suaalii played 66 first grade games for the Roosters, crossing for 29 tries, as well as making one ill-fated State of Origin appearance for the Blues this year.