Overview
- Will Genia, speaking to AAP in Japan on Tuesday, called for Samu Kerevi to line up with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in Australia’s midfield at the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
- Kerevi, 32, has not played for the Wallabies since 2024 and is starring in Japan Rugby League One with D-Rocks, which Genia says shows he remains a world‑class option.
- Genia added a clear condition for any recall, saying Kerevi should return to Australia to play Super Rugby so he arrives with a full pre-season and week-to-week Test-level intensity.
- He argued that modern Test matches feature shorter, high-impact bursts that reward bigger backs, pointing to South Africa and France using size to win collisions and control games.
- He also backed NSW Waratahs halfback Jake Gordon as first-choice No. 9 for 2027, with Tate McDermott and Kalani Thomas as the leading reserves, while noting Ryan Lonergan’s goalkicking and leadership.