‘Being a Wallaby doesn’t pay like it used to’
Is Joseph Suaalii the Wallabies’ last millionaire recruit? The economic landscape has radically changed in recent months.
The financial headwinds that have hit Rugby Australia have dampened the value of Wallabies with leading player managers telling The Australian that top contracts are now worth “$400,000 to $600,000” a season.
The enormous $5.3 million contract signed by Rooster star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – who is set to reap in $1.6m next year – is an anomaly as several Wallabies such as Max Jorgensen and Jordan Petaia now consider a future in rugby league.
RA chief executive Phil Waugh declined to comment on the Jorgensen negotiations – who is set to field a significant offer from NRL club Sydney Roosters – but emphasised the upcoming blockbuster events such as the British & Irish Lions tour next year and the rugby World Cup on home soil in 2027 as great reasons for players to stay in the code.
“RA will not be commenting on the status of individual negotiations,” Waugh told The Australian. “RA has a unique opportunity over the next few years with once-in-a-generation events such as the British and Irish Lions Tour, a home Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games (in Brisbane) for players to compete on a truly global stage, and to maximise their opportunities – as well as their careers beyond their playing days.”
Waugh wouldn’t be drawn into the figure of top Wallaby contracts being in the vicinity of “$400,000 and 600,000” citing commercial in confidence. It’s no secret RA are juggling an $80m loan while hoping for a cash windfall from the Lions tour and World Cup.
The Australian understands the figures discussed between the Jorgensen camp and Rugby Australia was for a two-year deal – $450,000 for the first year and up to $550,000 for the second. It is understood the Roosters in lengthy discussions with the Waratahs’ player, have floated figures of up to $850,000 for the first year and $950,000 for the second.
The Roosters also laid out detailed plans to Jorgensen for his future, touting him as potential replacement for James Tedesco when he steps back from the fullback role. Both billionaire chairman Nick Politis and Roosters coach Trent Robinson met with the young star to discuss his potential rugby league career at length.
Waugh dismissed criticism aimed at current RA chairman Daniel Herbert, for not personally meeting with the young Wallaby, and an accusation Jorgensen’s negotiations have been “pushed down the line to the contracting department”.
He said the contracting panel included Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
“We have an official national contracting panel which consists of Peter Horne (Director of HP) as Chair, Richard Gardham (COO), Joe Schmidt (Wallabies Head Coach),) and Toby Duncan (Contracting manager),” Waugh said. “This panel works with the CEO and the Rugby Committee and ultimately the RA Board on contracting.”
Jorgensen’s rugby contract will expire at the end of this year. Last month the outside back told reporters he was eager to stay with the Lions tour and a home World Cup within sight.
“I love the game and want to make my mark here playing for the Wallabies,” he said.
“It’s a dream to play in a World Cup and with the British and Lions coming up next year, it comes around every 12 years so if you miss out, you don’t get another opportunity to do it again. Playing something like that would be awesome.
He also hopes to become an Olympian.
But big events can’t ensure the future of all Wallabies to stay in the 15-man code as former Wallaby Matt To’omua said recently.
“I don’t think we can take it for granted that [because] we’ve got a Lions series coming up next year and a home World Cup a couple of years’ after that, therefore players are all going to want to stay,” To’omua told The Roar Rugby podcast.
“Because players ultimately don’t want to stay at – worst case – lose a Lions tour and get embarrassed at a home World Cup, so we can’t take it for granted that guys are going to stay here.We have to build an environment where people want to play and win against the Lions and have a successful campaign.”
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