'Amazing for rugby': Suaalii mobbed by fans during victory interview

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was mobbed by adoring young fans during a victory interview as Super Rugby's star recruit immediately provided bang for buck on Friday night.

Suaalii's Waratahs debut at fullback in the 37-36 thriller over the Highlanders was clunky at times but the good most certainly outweighed the bad.

NSW rightly sent plenty of high kicks in his direction but it backfired once in the first half at Allianz Stadium.

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Suaalii leapt high but was unable to gather the Gilbert and the Highlanders reacted better than the Waratahs as winger Caleb Tangitau found himself in space and skinned Andrew Kellaway.

The NRL recruit then got plenty of the 16,034 fans on their feet with a breakout run in the dying moments of the first half.

He is quite the sight in full flight but Suaalii's in field pass went to grass before the ball was scooped up by centre Joey Walton.

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It resulted in three Waratahs points rather than a potential seven.

The most important thing was Suaalii kept putting in and getting in on the action - including one crucial defensive intervention.

The highlight reel play then came late when his incisive thrust led to fellow whiz-kid Max Jorgensen scoring out wide.

"We've been together for four weeks so obviously a bit rusty in the first half, and the second we'll take a look at," Suaalii told Stan Sport.

"It was good to see all the kids and all the supporters here. I still remember when I was a little kid so it's pretty cool just to sign the kids' stuff and give back."

Suaalii - who missed the last pre-season game with knee soreness - limped off the field late but claimed he was "all good" and "just carrying on a little bit."

The Waratahs have the bye next weekend.

"He's a champion player but also a champion person," Allana Ferguson said on Stan Sport as Suaalii got amongst it in the stands.

"He's giving back and he will be the last one here, he's the ultimate professional. But he understands how to grow the game, what it means to kids too... he knows how it feels to be those kids, how to inspire them. He's right in the thick of it.

"I can't see him moving anytime soon, which is amazing for rugby."

Waratahs and Wallabies great Matt Burke was also impressed.

"It doesn't matter if it's boys, girls, you know, at what age, they know Joseph Suaalii," Burke said on Stan Sport.

"And then when he puts on a performance like that, you think, wow, this is great, this is value for my money."

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said Suaalii's work ethic and professionalism was "contagious."

"He's great off the field as well, the kids love him," McKellar said.

"Brings attention to the game, and I think that's a good thing, but the way he handles it as well, you've got to really respect. He comes from a lovely family and he's very grounded and humble and I can't speak highly enough."

At half time, Burke - who had called for Suaalii to play at outside centre and not fullback - urged for patience.

"We are expecting a lot because we know what he can do," Burke said.

"At the moment it's about finding your feet out in the field there. He hasn't played fullback (in rugby) since I reckon about year 10..."

At Allianz Stadium, Sydney: Waratahs 37 (Rob Leota 34', Dave Porecki 47', Max Jorgensen 62', Siosifa Amone 68 & 80' tries; Tane Edmed 2 con, 2 pen, Jack Bowen con) Highlanders 36 (Caleb Tangitau 6' & 64', Timoci Tavatavanawai 26', Veveni Lasaqa 57', Sefo Kautai 71' tries; Sam Gilbert pen, 3 con, Cameron Miller con): HT: 13-12

Yellow cards: Mitch Dunshea (Highlanders), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)