Rugby to launch raid on NRL stars with Joseph Suaalii ‘to be offered $10million over five years’
Rugby Australia is poised to offer NRL rising star Joseph Suaalii a staggering contract worth $10million over five years.
The Roosters winger, 19, is the dynamic player ambitious RA officials covet more than anyone – with fellow NRL guns Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Matt Burton and Nelson Asofa-Solomona also reportedly in their sights.
Suaalii, who is off-contract in 2024, played rugby as a youngster at The King’s School and was in the first XV aged just 14 while also on the books of the Rabbitohs.
He joined Souths’ arch-rivals last year amid plenty of hype – and the youngster has delivered for Trent Robinson on the wing this season.
His form has been so impressive he is tipped to be a bolter for Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad ahead of the World Cup in the UK later this year.
Rugby Australia could offer NRL rising star Joseph Suaalii (pictured middle) a staggering contract worth $10million over five years
Rabbitohs star Cameron Murray is also in Rugby Australia’s sights, having captained Newington College’s first XV
With captain James Tedesco the long term fullback for the Tricolours, the young gun may consider a code switch, especially with the massive money said to be thrown in his direction.
In May, Suaalii told Code Sports he was happy to forge a career in the greatest game of all.
‘There was no temptation,’ Suaalii said after it emerged he had spoken to Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.
‘I love it (Roosters) here, I love everyone at the club – the staff and all the players. I am happy to be here.
‘I feel comfortable. I love playing footy and being at the top level. When I am on the field I want to be one of the best players on the field and help the team win.’
Just three months later, Suaalii’s thought process may have changed given what is now said to be on the table.
Sea Eagles superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic is another NRL pin-up Rugby Australia would love to have on their books
Nelson Asofa-Solomona was a standout teenager in rugby-mad New Zealand before signing with the Melbourne Storm
Suaalii’s reported deal of $2million a season with RA will be well beyond what the Roosters can match, with their salary cap currently sitting at $9.118million to accommodate 30 listed players.
Aside from Suaalii, it is believed RA will prioritise NRL players who have previously played the sport.
Rabbitohs star Murray was Newington College’s rugby captain, Papenhuyzen represented Oakhill College in Sydney’s north-west and Asofa-Solomona was a standout teenager in rugby-mad New Zealand before signing with the Melbourne Storm’s under-20s team in 2014.
Rugby Australia’s ruthless raid on the greatest game of all won’t be a first – ahead of the 2003 World Cup on local shores, Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers and Wendell Sailor all jumped ship on lucrative deals.
The trio were successful with the Wallabies – but all eventually returned to rugby league.
RA’s war chest is with the 2027 World Cup in mind, but if Suaalii and other NRL stars jump ship, they will also be in line for selection when the British and Irish Lions series is played in Australia come 2025.
