The Waratahs' first game of 2025 was supposed to be all about debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii -- but the fans who made their way to Allianz Stadium on Friday night were left chanting a far lesser-known name: Siosifa Amone.

Joseph Suaalii ended up a winner in his Super Rugby Pacific debut as hooker Siosifa Amone's last-second try gave the New South Wales Waratahs a 37-36 victory over the Otago Highlanders in their season-opener on Friday.

Tane Edmed gets a nice penalty straight in front after high contact from the Highlanders, it takes the Waratahs within two points and should definitely calm some nerves. The Waratahs are desperately trying to bring Suaalii into the attack whenever they get a chance. You can definitely see rust in this team and they need minutes together.

Joseph Suaalii will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut at fullback on Friday after being named in the New South Waratahs side for their season-opening clash against the Otago Highlanders at Sydney Football Stadium.

The Waratahs have overcome the Highlanders 37-36 in a thrilling encounter in Sydney, in a game that featured nine lead changes.

Rugby.com.au presents '80 seconds with': a quick-fire look into some of the best players in Super Rugby Pacific, sitting down with NSW Waratahs and Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii Watch every game of Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

Joseph Suaalii is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut at fullback for the New South Waratahs against the Otago Highlanders. Suaalii, previously a rugby league star, shifts to fullback despite an earlier knee issue.

Expectations for Joseph Sua'ali'i are sky-high, but Australian rugby union's newest star keeps delivering. After an impressive stint with the Wallabies at the back end of 2024, the former NRL player shined in his Super Rugby debut on Friday evening.