Joseph Suaalii to leave Roosters at the end of next season to join the NSW Waratahs

In a coup for the Wallabies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, one of the NRL’s brightest young stars has decided to switch codes.

Joseph Suaalii has signed a lucrative deal with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Sydney Roosters star Joseph Suaalii will leave the NRL at the end of next season after signing a lucrative deal with Rugby Australia.

Suaalii’s contract with RA and the NSW Waratahs – reportedly worth $1.6 million – is until the end of 2027, ensuring his availability to play for the Wallabies at that year’s Rugby World Cup as well as against the touring British and Irish Lions in 2025.

The 19-year-old backline utility is no stranger to rugby union, having played the 15-a-side code for The King’s School, and represented NSW and the Australian Schoolboys in rugby sevens.

“Welcome back to rugby, Joseph.” Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said.

Joseph Suaalii (right) will depart the Roosters at the end of next season. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Suaalii had been “transparent” with his current club.

“We respect his decision,” Robinson said in a Roosters statement.

“He has made his commitment to the Roosters club for the next year and a half crystal clear, and we’re excited about the path we’re on.”

Suaalii said: “The Sydney Roosters have been great to me and my family since I got here, and the club is always going to be a big part of me.

“There’s still a long way to go in my journey with the Roosters and my sole focus is on working hard every day to keep improving and performing my role for the team.”