Joseph Suaalii could end Alex Johnston’s South Sydney career

Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has been pestering Wayne Bennett to sign Josh Addo-Carr but his attempts will ultimately prove futile. Meanwhile, Joseph Suaalii’s decision will determine Alex Johnston’s South Sydney future.

Any hope of Alex Johnston staying at South Sydney next year could come down to whether boom teenager Joseph Suaalii decides to join the Rabbitohs, or chase a future in rugby union.

But there is next to no hope Melbourne flyer Josh Addo-Carr will be at Souths next season, despite a pitch from Latrell Mitchell to try and convince Wayne Bennett to sign ‘The Fox’.

News Corp understands Suaalii is expected to make a call on his career next week.

But even after weeks of silence, there is still no clear indication which way Suaalii will go.

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Joseph Suaalii is set to decide his future next week.

While Souths remain optimistic, there is absolutely no guarantee they will win the race for most wanted teenager in Australian sport.

And the longer it has dragged on has only created more angst.

It is said to be about a 55-45 per cent split in Souths favour which way this will go.

Souths have made a point of limiting any contact with Suaalii and his family to give them the space not to feel pressured after all the hype it created recently.

But the silver lining if they miss out could be that it would re-open the door for Johnston to stay.

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While the Rabbitohs are keen to keep Johnston, they simply don’t have the room in their salary cap to make the beloved local junior a decent offer.

But that could change if Suaalii goes to union.

Johnston has certainly attracted interest elsewhere given his recent run of form.

But unless a decision is made on Suaalii soon it could be too late for Souths to keep the flyer regardless.

Meanwhile, Souths just don’t have the salary cap space to entertain the thought of signing Addo-Carr, who would be looking for north of $500,000.

Alex Johnston is sweating on his future - again. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Mitchell created a bit of stir in the last few days when he came out and urged his good friend ‘The Fox’ to join him at Redfern.

Mitchell told NITV that he had even had some conversations with Bennett to try and get him to the club.

It seemed a strange comment given Johnston is being forced out because of salary cap restraints.

No doubt Latrell would want all his mates to play for Souths, it just doesn’t work that way in the real world.

Originally published as Joseph Suaalii could end Alex Johnston’s South Sydney career