Wallaby Watch: Breaking down the centre options ahead of the first Tests of 2026

Tue, Jun 16, 2026, 7:16 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

Centre is a position filled with class for the Wallabies as coach Joe Schmidt narrows down his squad for the Nations Championship in July.

There's a host of stars both home and aborad making a strong name for themselves.

Rugby.com.au breaks down the main options at centre.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

Suaalii had another injury-riddled Super Rugby season for the Waratahs, restricted to just five appearances in 2026.

Despite this, his record for the Wallabies has been near-flawless, missing just one game since his debut in 2024.

Suaalii remains a valuable weapon for the Wallabies in the midfield thanks to his game-breaking skill.

Len Ikitau

Ikitau is one of the best in the world in the midfield, with the Brumbies missing his talents this year.

Instead, the centre has been tearing up the English Premiership, helping Exeter into the decider.

This could leave him in doubt for the opening Test against Ireland, though, with less than two weeks to return home and be 100% for the contest.

Hunter Paisami

Paisami has stepped up in 2026 as one of the best centres in the competition.

The Reds midfielder returned to his rampaging best before a knee injury halted his season.

This places him potentially in doubt for the July series, whilst rumours of his move to Japan won’t help his case either.

Josh Flook

Flook’s combination with Paisami was a bright spot for the Reds this season.

The outside centre is another who has already signed overseas, this time with Italian club Benetton.

However, expect Flook to still play a big role in the Wallabies set-up this year.

Hamish Stewart

The Western Force star has been reliable as ever in 2026 for the club.

Stewart was largely used as flyhalf cover towards the end of the year by coach Joe Schmidt but returned to the midfield with a bang.

He often flies under the radar but his experience is crucial in the midfield.

Isaac Henry

Henry is a massive bolter for the gold jersey after several strong performances for the Reds.

He impressed in all five starts for the Reds when filling in for either Hunter Paisami or Josh Flook.

With both heading overseas or injured, suddenly the powerful midfield looms as a massive bolter.

David Feliuai

Feliuai was left to fill the large shoes of Ikitau at the Brumbies and, for the most part, succeeded.

The ex-Rebel has been around the Wallabies set-up in the past, returning to the form that saw him get the call-up under Schmidt.

Kadin Pritchard

Pritchard is coming off a strong debut season for the Brumbies outside of Feliuai.

A hamstring injury will likely rule him out of selection, but he has certainly made a case for a call-up later in the year for at least Australia A honours.

Samu Kerevi

Kerevi is the wildcard call after a dominant season in Japan for Urayasu D-Rocks.

The centre was a battering ram in Japanese Rugby League One, third overall for tackle busts (98), only behind Cheslin Kolbe and Mark Tele’a as he proved to be a one-man attacking machine.

He hasn’t featured in gold since 2024, but has shown the quality is still there.

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