Waratahs rule out big-money recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for Brumbies clash

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's return from injury remains on hold after the $5 million rugby league convert was left out of the NSW Waratahs' match-day squad for their round-six clash against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday.

Suaalii has featured in just one Super Rugby match for the Waratahs, starting at fullback in the side's 37-36 round-one win over the Highlanders.

However, the 21-year-old suffered a toe injury during the game which has sidelined him ever since.

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Suaalii had returned to training with the main squad on Tuesday.

The superstar recruit participated in an open-field session but ran in defence with wider squad members rather than the main team.

In the lead-up to the team being announced on Wednesday, the Waratahs kept the door open for Suaalii to return as a deliberate tactic to throw off the Brumbies.

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On Tuesday, Waratahs set-piece coach Dan Palmer said Suaalii was "progressing through his rehab and moving quite well".

Head coach Dan McKellar had previously said Suaalii's injury was not long-term but would see him miss multiple games.

The Waratahs meet the Brumbies in Sydney on Saturday night, with the hosts aiming to break a 13-game losing streak against their southern rivals.

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The streak dates back to 2018 and marks the Waratahs' record for most consecutive defeats against any Super Rugby side in the club's 30 seasons.

This doubles as an eight-game losing streak at home against the Brumbies.

Suaalii left the Roosters for Rugby Australia at the end of last season, having inked a three-year deal worth a reported $5.3 million to play for the Wallabies.

There is also a potential two-year player option worth $4 million, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

NSW Waratahs vs ACT Brumbies

SAT 22 March: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O'Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Austin Anderson

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

Assistant Referee: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw

TMO: Glenn Newman