Wests Tigers emerge as contender for Joseph Suaalii as Souths end interest
The race to sign teenage prodigy Joseph Suaalii is getting messy. Suitors are running out of patience with the youngster’s contract demands and apparent attitude issues.
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Wests Tigers have emerged as a shock contender in the messy chase to sign teenage prodigy Joseph Suaalii.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Suaalii, 17, has told Souths he does not want to play at Redfern next season, despite being offered a stunning four-year deal worth $1.9 million.
Suaalii’s incredible demands — and a lack of desire to represent the famous club — has ended Souths’ interest in the young star.
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There are even suggestions Suaalii has managed to tick off his other main suitor, Rugby Australia.
Suaalii was shopped to the Sydney Roosters and, while there was interest, it appears he could struggle to be squeezed in under the club’s tight salary cap.
While the Roosters are the masters of managing their cap, Suaalii couldn’t play his favourite position at Bondi — fullback — due to the long-term presence of James Tedesco.
Suaalii could also be used as a running five-eighth but the Roosters have Luke Keary locked down.
Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire has a huge opinion of Suaalii, who has a striking running game in both rugby codes — league and union.
Maguire helped a young Suaalii when the pair were at Souths. Wests Tigers would have the money to lodge an attractive offer and Suaalii could play fullback at Concord.
Several well-placed sources told The Daily Telegraph of Maguire’s strong interest in Suaalii. Maguire and Wests Tigers chief Justin Pascoe are away on leave.
The Tigers haven’t lodged any offer or opened formal discussions but the club’s interest in Suaalii is genuine. A deal could be struck from 2022 when the Tigers’ salary cap has settled.
Rumours circulated on Thursday that Suaalii was close to signing with the Roosters. This was however denied by those close to Suaalii, who has a development contract at Souths next year.
Suaalii is now deemed by clubs as being a “hell of an athlete with an attitude that is all over the place.”
Despite their dislike for the Roosters, Souths would be prepared to release Suaalii to Bondi for 2021, provided the Roosters pay the Rabbitohs a development fee.
Suaalii has told Souths officials he does not want to play at the club next season, despite the Rabbitohs having nurtured the sports prodigy since the age of 13.
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Even Souths coach Wayne Bennett has seemingly run out of patience with Suaalii, while there is confusion over who is actually representing Suaalii.
While Souths would never admit it publicly, Souths believe Suaalii and his family have disrespected their club.
The only way Suaalii could return to Souths would be by attending pre-season training — after putting contract negotiations on hold — and showing a hunger and desire.
Suaalii — still at school next year — wanted clauses inserted into his contract stating he could leave after each year, a request laughed off by Souths. One rival club, watching the Suaalii drama unfold, fear the kid could be lost to both codes.
Any potential clubs would be wary about the stipulations Suaalii could place on his any future contract.