Suliasi Vunivalu next in line for early Wallabies release as NRL and French rugby clubs come calling

Former Melbourne Storm star Suliasi Vunivalu is being chased by multiple NRL clubs, with speculation intensifying that the flying Wallaby is about to make a move away from Australian rugby.

As one NRL star joins the Wallabies, is another heading out the door?

While all attention was on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s inclusion in Joe Schmidt’s touring squad to the northern hemisphere, seven-Test Wallaby Suliasi Vunivalu was a notable exclusion from that squad and the Australia XV team, along with the Queensland Reds touring party to Japan.

The Reds play Panasonic Wild Knights on Sunday, and then again on November 4, before some of their touring players like Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips join the Australia XV squad in England.

Vunivalu is a centrally-contracted player with a Rugby Australia top-up, and his deal runs through to the end of 2025.

But he’s clearly not in Schmidt’s plans, having been ignored for all Tests this year despite featuring in Australia’s World Cup campaign last year under Eddie Jones.

Vunivalu (C) has played seven Tests for the Wallabies since his big-money move from the NRL. Picture: AFP

Perhaps the most enlightening aspect of Vunivalu’s situation is the deafening silence from his employers and management.

None could provide a clear picture on whether Vunivalu is remaining in Australia next season, or heading off.

Code Sport understands Vunivalu has offers from French rugby clubs, and NRL clubs, while Japanese national coach Jones remains a fan and could open doors for the winger there.

As an NRL premiership winner, Vunivalu came to Australian rugby amid much fanfare in 2021, but injuries have curtailed his impact in the 15-man code and there have only been fleeting moments of his brilliance.

Now, given that the 28-year-old is said to be on big money and both RA and the Reds could use all the cash they can get, granting an early release may turn out to be the right move for all parties.

But these discussions are rarely smooth and seamless, and if it all gets too complicated Vunivalu may well remain in Australia and see out the last year of his contract.

Vunivalu, currently with the Queensland Reds, has attracted interest from overseas and from the NRL. Picture: Getty

However, the arrival of Suaalii on a $5.35 million deal over the next three years – with an additional two years in his favour – and the re-signing of a stack of stars who are actually in Schmidt’s plans may tip the balance towards an early release.

Vunivalu’s absence from all touring squads despite being fit is certainly a red flag.

He may not have performed at an optimum level this year but is still far too good of a player to be ignored, particularly for the Reds’ two games in Japan against Panasonic Wild Knights.

Earlier this year, when Vunivalu was first left out of Schmidt’s squad for the July Tests against Wales and Georgia, reports emerged that NRL clubs had reached out to his management about a return to league.

Vunivalu played for Melbourne Storm between 2016-2020, scoring a try in the Storm’s grand final win over Penrith in his final season before switching codes.

Suliasi Vunivalu was a powerhouse winger during his four-year stint with the Storm. Picture: Getty

But the lure of earning euros in the French Top 14 would also be high if Vunivalu is indeed granted an early release.

RA has allowed a number of Wallabies to leave early this year to alleviate financial pressures, including Izaia Perese, Jordan Uelese, Josh Kemeny, Lachie Swinton and Ned Hanigan to overseas rugby clubs, and Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon to the NRL.

Vunivalu shapes as the next man up.

Queensland Reds squad for Japan tour

Backs: Louis Werchon, Kalani Thomas, Will Cartwright, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Lynagh, Heremaia Murray, Matt Brice, Dre Pakeho, Frankie Goldsbrough, Floyd Aubrey, Shaun Anderson, Sebastian Hanna, Mason Gordon.

Forwards: Alex Hodgman, Sef Fa’agase, Matt Gibbon, Josh Nasser, Richie Asiata, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, Connor Vest, Josh Canham, Taine Roiri, Kohan Herbert, Max Craig, Joe Brial, Hamish Muller.

Originally published as Suliasi Vunivalu next in line for early Wallabies release as NRL and French rugby clubs come calling