Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami says Australia’s midfield competition is heating up as the side prepares to face Japan in Tokyo this weekend.

Speaking from camp, Paisami welcomed the challenge of fighting for a starting spot against in-form teammates Joseph Suaalii and Len Ikitau, as well as the versatility of fellow midfielders Hamish Stewart and Filipo Daugunu.

“We’re keen obviously – there’s a few of us here, we’ve got Hamish, Filipo Daugunu as well that can cover that 12 jersey,” Paisami said.

“So it’s for us just to push each other, compete, that way we can get better and hopefully get more game time in the 12 jersey. Obviously with the quality and consistency that Joey and Len have been playing, it’s pretty hard to go away from that.”

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The 27-year-old was also full of praise for Carter Gordon, who is expected to make his rugby comeback against Japan after a short stint in the NRL.

“He’s got a good skill set, a big body at 10, so it will be good if the opportunity does come to help Carter. I’m looking forward to it,” said Paisami.

“I’ve been training with him in Sydney those two days before we flew over and he looks sharp and ready to go.”

Paisami is one of the few remaining players from the last Wallabies side to face Japan, when Australia edged the Brave Blossoms 32–23 in Oita in 2021.

The Wallabies will be aiming to build momentum on their northern tour when they run out at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Saturday.

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