Rugby still in with a chance of luring teen sensation Joseph Suaalii although NRL remains favourite
Rugby league may still be favourite to snare the signature of teen sensation Joseph Suaalii, but they aren’t over the line just yet as rugby continues to prove stubborn opposition.
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Not so fast, rugby league.
Teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii has yet to commit to rugby league over rugby union and is still telling friends of a desire to represent Australia’s Sevens side at next year’s Olympic Games.
While Souths remain firm favourites to secure the 16-year-old, News Corp Australia can reveal Suaalii keeps talking about the opening and closing ceremonies at Tokyo and meeting the world’s sporting stars.
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Insiders also suggest Suaalii has had enough of playing junior footy and wants to step up into an elite class.
Suaalii can play for Waratahs as early as next week – rugby union doesn’t apply age limits - should he choose rugby union. He would though have to secure a release from his 2021 contract at Souths.
Although ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys is expected to alter the eligibility age from 18 to 17, Suaallii cannot play NRL until round one in March next year – still eight months away.
Souths have elected to give Suaalii some space to make his decision. The unprecedented media attention has affected the kid. There are even fears he could be suffering from the ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ at his school, King’s.
It was hoped Suaalii would formally sign a new four-year deal worth $2m with Souths on Saturday - his 17th birthday – an age when the club can formally register his contract with the NRL.
With Souths and Rugby Australia easing pressure, Suaalii could now take more time to reach a final decision. It could, some suggest, be days or maybe a week.
There are factions inside Rugby Australia that have all but given up signing Suaalii.
A close friend of Suaalii said: “He has been knocked about with all this media spotlight. We told him there is no rush to make a decision. Everyone has left the decision up to his family. He is a 16-year old kid. We have to give him some time.
“The amount of press and oxygen given to Joseph has been extraordinary. We don’t want him to have any regrets. He has to be 100 per cent sure. If he has this dream and passion to play at the Olympics then everybody, ultimately, would have to accept it.”
Given the club has supported, mentored, monitored and encouraged the youngster since he was 12 years old, the Rabbitohs hope they have done enough to retain Suaalii.
When asked about Suaalii, Souths co-owner Russell Crowe politely replied: “Not comment to make. Hope you are well.”
News Corp Australia spoke to Joseph’s father, Chris, briefly on Thursday but he didn’t answer our calls later in the day.
Rival NRL clubs cannot open talks with Suaalii until November 1 – a year before his Souths contract expires on October 31, 2021.
Even he joins rugby union, Souths privately believe Suaalii would eventually return to the NRL. Should he remain at Redfern, Suaalii would start pre-season training in November.
It is highly likely Suaalii would start 2021 as the club’s starting fullback.
Those close to Suaalii have told him he should start getting used to the attention and scrutiny he will play under, whether it be in rugby league or rugby union.
Souths coach Wayne Bennett said last week Suaalii was being placed under too much pressure but then made a public pitch for the rookie at a media conference on Wednesday.
Originally published as Rugby still in with a chance of luring teen sensation Joseph Suaalii although NRL remains favourite