Rugby league convert Joseph Suaali, England-born Harry Potter, in the Australian squad for the Autumn Nations Series

High-profile rugby league recruit Joseph Suaali has found himself in hot water after being named in the Australian squad for the autumn nations series in Great Britain and Ireland.

The 21-year-old is expected to match the likes of Sonny Bill Williams in switching codes, but is yet to play a senior match in union despite growing up adhering to that sporting code before moving to professional rugby league.

Englishman and former Leicester player Harry Potter, who now plays for the Western Force, is also part of the 34-man squad, including NSW Waratahs midfielder Tane Edmeda, the third uncapped player.

La Rochelle player Will Skelton, who captained the Wallabies before being injured at last year’s Rugby World Cup, is recalled for the first time this year, while Japanese center Samu Kerevi also returns.

Australia are not in the best of form heading into London, having lost their last three matches, including a 67-27 thrashing of Argentina. Joe Schmidt’s side begin their tour against England on November 9 before traveling to Wales, Scotland and Ireland until the end of November.

It was Suaali’s inclusion that attracted the most attention in Australia, as he had not yet played for the Waratahs and had left NRL side Sydney Roosters. His deal will reportedly be worth more than £2.5 million over three years, but Schmidt says now is the right time to see what he can do.

“Part of it is because we’re playing the Lions next year,” the Australia head coach said.

“So if he doesn’t make his debut on this tour, then we have very little time – maybe one opportunity to play in front of the Lions next year and that’s it. So for us, yes, we feel some pressure. to be able to quickly track it.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t aware of the important case he’s involved in and his profile, because you can’t not be aware of it. But it’s our responsibility to try to help him become the best rugby player and contribute to the team that he can be.”

Potter could have the chance to make his debut in the country of his birth by moving to Australia at the age of 10. The 26-year-old played three seasons for Leicester before returning Down Under with Western Force last year.

Kerevi and Skelton will not feature in the final match of the tour in Dublin as it falls outside the international window and neither player is contracted to a team in Australia.

Skelton returns after missing recent testing due to La Rochelle commitments, but Schmidt says he is desperate to test again.

“He’s sharp as mustard,” Schmidt said. “He didn’t need any convincing to play for the Wallabies. He’s a really positive character and has real authority in the group.”

ForwardsStars: Matt Fessler, Brandon Paenga Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell, Isaac Kiley, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Luhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McWright, Carlo Tizzano, Sere Uru, Jeremy Williams, Langie Gleeson, Harry Wilson.

BacksCast: Nick White, Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Thane Edmed, Ben Donaldson, Samu Kerevi, Joseph Suaali, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch.

In April, it was announced that TNT Sports would broadcast all games in this year’s Autumn Nations Series. Below is the full list of matches and kick-off times (BST).

• England – New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10.
• Scotland v Fiji, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, kick-off: 17:40

• Ireland – New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10

• England – Australia, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10.
• Italy – Argentina, Friuli Stadium, kick-off: 17:40.
• France – Japan, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10.

• Wales – Fiji, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 13:40.
• Scotland – South Africa, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 16:10.

• Ireland – Argentina, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10.

• Scotland – Portugal, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 15:10.
• England – South Africa, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 17:40.
• France – New Zealand, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10.

• Italy – Georgia, to be announced later, kick-off: 13:40
• Wales – Australia, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 16:10

• France – Argentina, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10.

• Ireland – Fiji, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10.
• Wales – South Africa, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 17:40.
• Italy – New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, kick-off: 20:10

• Scotland – Australia, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 13:40.
• England – Japan, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 16:10.

• Ireland – Australia, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10.