Wallabies and Waratahs star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii credits his family for helping bulk him back up after a jaw injury ended his Super Rugby Pacific season prematurely.
Suaalii is back in contact training after a case of friendly fire from teammate Andrew Kellaway left him with a fractured jaw.
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The 21-year-old revealed he lost five kilograms as a result of issues eating, leaving him heading home to replenish what was lost.
“I've been eating heaps, thanks to my mum and my family around me for the support to help me stay back on track,” he told reporters.
“Going back home, there’s always food there so Mum and Dad always try to feed me as much as possible when I'm back home.
“I’m always just trying to stay away from it (laughs) but it’s good I put my weight back on.”
Suaalii initially feared the injury would keep him out of the tour, having earlier suffered a toe injury and a concussion in 2025.
“It's such an important time for myself and straight rugby, and I want to be playing so obviously there's a little bit of nerves,” he admits.
“I came back straight away and I’ve been looking good going into Lions.”
Suaalii has played in the biggest stages in sport; from Twickenham to Old Trafford, World Cup Finals and State of Origins.
But the Lions series has a clear ranking for Suaalii.
“This is the biggest game of my life,” he said.
“You don't get to play against the Lions. Some people play it once in your career. So it happens every 12 years.
“I believe it's going to be the biggest games of my life.”
Suaalii is coming off being named in the Super Rugby Team of the Year, although was quick to shift praise to Wallabies teammate Tom Wright and All Black star Will Jordan.
“I didn't see it coming. I thought Tom Wright and Will Jordan, they really played well at fullback,” he added.
“I didn't play much footy this year but obviously it's always a good milestone to get. I feel like that was a great fullback that were play.”
