NRL market watch: Agent’s move sparks fears of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii code switch

The Sydney Roosters are concerned by a big development as they attempt to lock down teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii on a long-term NRL contract.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: William Kennedy of the Sharks is tackled during the round three NRL match between Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium on March 19, 2023 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Alarm bells are ringing in rugby league over the manager of Roosters superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii renewing his agent accreditation with Rugby Australia last week.

The Sydney Roosters are concerned by the development as they attempt to lock down the teenage sensation on a long-term NRL contract.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has made no secret that Suaalii is his top target for a 2025 code switch for when Australia hosts the British Lions.

Suaalii’s manager Isaac Moses is now in a position to negotiate a deal with the Wallabies, with early indications suggesting they are prepared to pay $1.4 million a season.

Moses had previously lost his rugby union accreditation at the same time that he was deregistered by the NRL for his involvement in a Parramatta Eels salary cap rort.

Last Friday Moses had a new registration accepted by the RA.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is a target for rugby union. Picture: Getty Images

However Moses denied there was any link between Suaalii and Rugby Australia in his move to have his union accreditation reinstated when contacted by News Corp. He says he looks after a number of Wallabies including Kurtley Beale, Will Smith and Will Skelton which was the reason for his need for accreditation.

Suaalii recently took up an option in his favour to remain at the Roosters until the completion of the 2024 season.

But there are genuine fears Suaalii wants to go down the same path as the great Sonny Bill Williams: to try to win a World Cup, travel the world, then return to rugby league.

WESTS TIGERS PLOT CRONULLA POACHING RAID

By David Riccio

Two of the NRL most influential figures are on the verge of extending their futures.

Raiders marquee figure Jack Wighton and exciting Sharks fullback Will Kennedy, who is in the sights of the Wests Tigers, are each edging towards recommitting to their respective clubs.

For Wighton, the Canberra playmaker has an option in his contract that enables him to roll over his current deal for a further 12-months.

Under the NRL contracting system, he has until round 10 to inform the Raiders hierarchy on whether he intends to become a free agent or take up the option for the season 2024.

It’s the latter that Wighton is preparing to green light with he and his advisor Matt Rose expected to discuss the 12-month extension next week.

Jack Wighton wants to remain a Raider. Picture: Getty Images)

Wighton has called Canberra home since making his NRL debut back in 2012 and has made no secret of his desire to remain a one-club man.

“I’m on course to do that,’’ Wighton said when re-signing with the club in 2020.

The 30-year-old has a strong relationship with coach Ricky Stuart and with 222 first-grade games for the club, Wighton can move past club legends including Laurie Daley (244) and Steve Walters (228) with a contract extension.

He can equal champion forward Ruben Wiki (224) for most-games played for the club next weekend.

As for Kennedy, the 25-year-old is the final member of the Sharks backline yet to re-sign for next season.

Although not yet announced publicly, winger Sione Katoa has agreed to terms on a new deal, Jesse Ramien is contracted until 2026 with Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025) and Siosifa Talakai (2026) also locked-in.

The Will Kennedy deal is almost done for Cronulla. Picture: Getty Images

However, Cronulla management are in the final stages of negotiating a new two-year deal with Kennedy eager to remain in Shire. “I want to stay at the club, I love the Sharks,” Kennedy said.

“I’ve been here since SG Ball (under-19) so I would love to stay. What Fitzy (coach Craig Fitzgibbon) is doing and what he’s brought to the club is special.

“Hopefully we can nut something out pretty soon.”

The Wests Tigers have made inquiries to Kennedy’s management, suggesting they are keeping a close watch on the fullback.

Kennedy’s father, Bubba Kennedy, scored 26 tries in 61 games for Balmain between 1996-98.

Originally published as NRL market watch: Agent’s move sparks fears of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii code switch