How brotherly love could keep Will Penisini in NRL and ward off rugby union

Like his best mate Joseph Suaalii, Eels centre Will Penisini was a schoolboy rugby star and is on the radar of the Wallabies. But it’s family that could keep him in the NRL.

Will Penisini of the Eels.

Will Penisini wants to play alongside his younger brother Richard in the blue and gold of Parramatta, and it might be the carrot that helps the club ward off a Rugby Australia raid on the star Eels centre.

Penisini doesn’t come off contract at the Eels until the end of 2025, but that happens to coincide with the Lion’s tour before Australia plays host to the Rugby World Cup in 2027.

As revealed by this masthead, Penisini is on Wallabies coach Eddie Jones’ hit list, while close friend and Sydney Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has defected to union on a mega three-year deal worth over $5 million from 2025.

Penisini and Suaalii became best friends during their time together at The King’s School, an elite GPS rugby school, and the pair will face off at CommBank Stadium on Friday night when Parramatta host the Roosters.

While Penisini has the option to follow Suaalii to the 15-man game, the rapid rise of his brother Richard, 18, also a product of The King’s School, could be the reason he commits to Parramatta beyond 2025.

“Yeah, 100 per cent. It’s a dream for him to be able to debut for the club and a dream for us as brothers to be able to play together for the Eels,” Penisini said.

“It’ll be a huge moment for my family if it does happen. I know he’s got a long way to go but I think getting an NRL pre-season under his belt going into next year will help get him close to that dream.”

Will Penisini is a target of Wallabies coach Eddie Jones. Picture: Getty

A centre like Will, Richard has been identified as a key retention priority for the Eels long term.

The powerful outside back, who packs size and the ability to create attacking opportunities, was a part of Parramatta’s grand final-winning SG Ball team this year.

He has since featured in the Jersey Flegg (under-21s) outfit and will make his NSW Cup debut on Friday against the Roosters.

“He’s developing well in the Parramatta system. He’s choosing the league path now, I think that’s what the future is for him. He’s a good player and he just needs to keep on working hard,” he said.

As for Penisini’s future, the 21-year-old said he would not make any decisions about a switch to rugby any time soon.

“That is still far away, there are still two more years (before my contract ends). I’m totally focused on what is going on this year,” Penisini said.

“We have a huge challenge ahead of us as a team so to be honest I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”

Will Penisini and best mate Joseph Suaalii.

Will Penisini’s brother Richard. Picture: Bryden Sharp

While Penisini isn’t ready to make a decision, he knows a code switch will draw the ire of league fans, just like Suaalii did.

Penisini hit back at the backlash Suaalii received after securing the rich rugby deal.

“It’s been happening his whole life really. He has been copping it ever since he was in high school all the way as far back as year nine … from his school days until now so I don’t think he sees it as a big deal,” Penisini said.

“The people giving it to him don’t know his situation, his family. But it’s what happens when you’re such a superstar and a talent, people criticise you for every little thing.”

For now, Penisini is focused on keeping Parramatta’s finals hopes alive with a win against the Roosters.

Penisini will mark-up on another of the game’s GPS school graduates in former Scots College rugby star Billy Smith, who has been one of the NRL’s form centres in recent weeks.

“I think it’ll be more of the same of what he has produced in the last couple of weeks. It’s great that he is finding form especially after the serious injuries he has had to overcome,” Penisini said. “I’m happy for him, but it’s a big challenge for me and I can’t wait to take him on.”