NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has revealed Super Round may be a fitting return from injury for superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
The outside centre will remain a sideline spectator for the Tahs' upcoming clash with Moana Pasifika, much like royals Harry and Megan who are set to watch on in the Allianz Stadium crowd.
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Suaalii has been out of Super Rugby action since early March when he suffered a hamstring tear during an innocuous pre-game warm up exercise.
Super Round will see every Super Rugby game from April 24-26 take place in Christchurch, and patrons may see Suaalii run out with the Waratahs against the home-town Crusaders.
"He will be in the discussions (for Super Round)," said McKellar. "He's that close, he's not far away.
"We just need to make sure that he's ticked every box required to get out there and do what he does.
"He's an explosive player, he'll put pressure on his hammies and his tendons at the best of times, so making sure that we get his rehab right.
"In essence, the medical staff have done a great job. He's in good shape. We'll let him go once we feel he's in a position to kick on and finish the season."
As Suaalii continues to bide his time, Angus Scott-Young, Lawson Creighton and Jake Gordon all return to the starting lineup for the Tah's clash with Moana Pasifika.
Dan McKellar is wary of the threat Pasifika pose, especially after the news of the club disbanding come season's end which could be a galvanising force for the team currently sitting in last place.
"I think the Waratahs have played them four times and won once, so it's a significant challenge for us," McKellar said.
"They're big, powerful men who have got the ability to be really dangerous."
"We need to get our game right but make sure we front up ready for what's going to be a really physical contest."
The Waratahs continue to struggle to put in consistent performances week after week. After a hard-fought 30-28 win over the ACT Brumbies, NSW backed it up with a 28-point thumping by the Chiefs.
After having a bye last week, McKellar is eager for his men to be at their best come Friday night.
"We were really proud of our performance in Canberra," McKellar said. "But just disappointed that we didn't back that up.
"So that's the consistency that we're striving for week on week, if you want to be a top-four team.
"A lot of it's mental, so getting yourself right between the ears to go out there and do what you do physically."
