Rugby’s mega raid of NRL talent, starting with $10m bid for Roosters young gun Joseph Suaali’i

Rugby Australia is reportedly preparing a stunning raid of NRL talent with Roosters superstar Joseph Suaali’i at the top of their list.

PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Joseph Suaalii of the Roosters runs the ball during the round 16 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters at BlueBet Stadium on July 01, 2022 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Rugby Australia is reportedly preparing a stunning raid of NRL talent with Roosters superstar Joseph Suaali’i at the top of their hit list.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Rugby Australia have formed a wish list of NRL players which includes the likes of Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Matt Burton and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

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But Suaali’i is shaping as the major prize with the report claiming the 19-year-old could be offered a mega five-year deal worth $10 million.

According to the News Corp report, the likes of Suaali’i, Murray, Papenhuyzen and Asofa-Solomona will be regarded as high priority by RA due to their rugby background.

Rugby Australia wants to attract some big-name signings ahead of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour and the 2027 World Cup and are prepared to go all out.

Joseph Suaalii of the Roosters. Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Suaali’i represented the King’s School and was chosen in the GPS 1st XV in 2018.

He also boasts selection in the NSW Schoolboys and Australian Schoolboys under 18s Rugby Sevens team.

He would also be eligible to play for the Wallabies.

The luring of rugby league players to rugby union leading into a world cup has occurred before.

Cross-code legends such as Wendell Sailor, Mat Rogers and Lote Tuqiri jumped ship to rugby union leading into the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the last time the tournament was hosted in Australia.

Originally published as Rugby’s mega raid of NRL talent, starting with $10m bid for Roosters young gun Joseph Suaali’i