The Sydney Roosters have no concerns over rugby threat with Joseph Suaalii
The Sydney Roosters are backing themselves to fend off rugby union when it inevitably comes knocking for Joseph Suaalii
The Sydney Roosters are backing their organisation to prove more alluring than the rugby union World Cup. They believe that teenage superstar Joseph Suaalii will spend two years under their watch and choose Bondi over Paris.
Suaalii, the most exciting teenager in Australian sport, finally made his move to the Roosters on Tuesday after his release papers from South Sydney were lodged with the NRL.
The Roosters immediately confirmed he had inked a two-year agreement, taking him through until the of 2022. The World Cup will be played the next year in France.
By then, Suaalii is expected to have plenty of first grade rugby league under his belt. For all his tender years, there is talk he will begin next season pushing to play in the NRL, although that would require the ARL Commission to relax their minimum-age restrictions.
Regardless, at some point next season it seems a formality that Suaalii will make his first grade debut. Souths bent over backwards for Suaalii but ultimately relented when it became apparent that he had his heart set on joining the Roosters.
The Roosters have backed themselves to convince Suaalii to remain in rugby league for the long haul. Suaalii will no doubt have the chance to switch codes at the end of 2022 – Rugby Australia were among his suitors and Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is a fan.
Yet the Roosters believe in the strength of their organisation.
“Joseph is a highly-talented young player, and we’re thrilled to have secured his services,” Sydney Roosters recruitment manager Daniel Anderson said.
“This is a terrific opportunity for Joseph to continue his development alongside the established players we have at the club like James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou and Joseph Manu, and we’re looking forward to watching his progress over the next few years.”
Suaalii has come straight into the club’s top 30 rather than on a development deal. His arrival at the Roosters adds to the bad blood between them and Souths, their bitter rivalry likely to go up another notch when they meet in round three.
Suaalii is every chance to play in that game. Souths confirmed his release with the shortest of statements on Tuesday, although chief executive Blake Solly was magnanimous when he spoke to The Australian, pointing out the club’s depth at fullback.
The expectation is in coming weeks the loss of Suaalii will be softened by a new contract for Latrell Mitchell.
“Joseph in his time with our club always played fullback and said that was his preferred position,” Solly said.
“We are very fortunate at the club to have Latrell, Corey Allan, who can play fullback, and Alex Johnston has also had success there.
“Given the players we have here, we released Joseph to take up an opportunity with the Roosters. We wish Joseph and his family the best.”
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