Zac Lomax and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii could see the funny side of their reunion ahead of Friday’s match at Allianz Stadium.
The once NSW Origin teammates will duel it out in the backline as the NSW Waratahs and Western Force look to keep their finals hopes alive.
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The pair were quick to exchange friendly jabs as they continued throughout their respective Rugby journeys.
“I think he rocked up in his Rolls-Royce and he’s somewhere around here,” Lomax said and laughed.
“‘Su’ is a good mate of mine and obviously it’s been super unfortunate for him to miss as many games as he had but the game goes better when he’s involved and I’m sure he’s super keen to get on the field. It’s good for the Waratahs and the game, it’ll be a good test for us.”
“I was asking where he was living and he’s living at ‘Twiggy’s’ [Andrew Forrest] house so he’s living in that big mansion in Perth,” Suaalii responded.
“It’s always good to catch up with old mates.”
Lomax is in his third ever professional game and second start, embracing the challenge of a new code on his return home.
“It's always good to get back to Sydney. All my friends and family are back here and it's the home of Rugby Union in Australia and back against a New South Wales team so I’m looking forward to it," Lomax said.
“The lifestyle in Perth is unreal, and I’ve loved being over there and a part of that group that we've got there at the force, it's unreal.
“...I've got so much to learn, and that's the exciting thing. I love being able to do that every day and I'm learning off every single player that's part of the squad and coaching staff, going in there with an open book and an open mind.
“It's so refreshing, mate, and I'm learning every day.”
For Suaalii, it’s a welcome recovery after a frustrating injury layoff with a hamstring issue, keeping him out since Round Two.
The midfielder has missed just one Test since his debut in 2024, however, has only managed nine appearances for the Waratahs in his two seasons in sky blue.
“[Recovery] has been great. The Waratahs have done a good job just putting together a program to get myself to my best,” Suaalii believes.
“It wasn't ideal getting injured, but it's all part of the game, part of the journey as a rugby player… injuries are part of the game, I always see it as you learn a lot from the injuries and all the periods.
“I'm just trying to take it as a positive moment tomorrow night and hopefully for the rest of the season.”
