Vunivalu says he can be more of a threat in rugby than he was in NRL

“I get more licence now in union,” Vunivalu said. “I can kick and do whatever stuff because we get unlimited ball. Whereas league you just carry it up-down the sideline. That’s an advantage for me. I get to get my hands more on the ball and come in off the wing.

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“I just can’t wait to get in there tomorrow and dust some rust off and play some rugby.”

Wing is where the 25-year-old is expected to begin Queensland’s Super Rugby AU campaign, however, Vunivalu has already flagged a desire to shift to the centres one day.

Knowing “when to get in and look for the ball” and “when to stay out” has been key to Vunivalu’s training under coach Brad Thorn in recent weeks.

Perhaps more so is Vunivalu’s tackle technique, given rugby’s stricter stance on high tackles that has seen a growing number of players sent to the sin bin.

“In league we used to try and tackle upright, so we can slow the ball, but now – and because I’m really tall – I’ve got to shift back down. If not, you get a card,” Vunivalu said. “My focus in pre-season has been to get low and contest in the ruck.”

Vunivalu’s athleticism and vertical leap are traits the Reds will be looking to use to full advantage. For years Israel Folau used his aerial prowess to excellent effect and Vunivalu, another Storm product, is keen to do the same.

“I’m going to keep asking for those [cross-field] kicks,” Vunivalu said. “I can have space on the far wide [side of the field]. If I see that and I’m not talking, I won’t see the ball. That’s what I’m good at.”

Rather than trot out the cliche that performing in Super Rugby must come before national honours, Vunivalu concedes a Wallabies jersey is already on his mind.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to play for the Wallabies,” he said. “That’s the main goal, but you have to do well in club level to wear that jersey.

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“It was really beneficial going with the Wallabies. Once I got into the Reds pre-season, I knew from the [Wallabies] staff what to do and what not to do. The aim last year was for them to see how I train.”

And he’s already eyeing off some Kiwi derbies later in the year when Super Rugby Trans-Tasman kicks off on May 14, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

“It’s good and bad. Sometimes you need that challenge from the Kiwi boys,” Vunivalu said. “It’d be good if we can win the Australian comp and then we get to play the Kiwi boys. I’m just taking it one game at a time.”