Joseph Suaalii: Rugby league starlet signs with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs
Teenage rugby league sensation Joseph Suaalii has signed a three-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs beginning in 2024.
The deal will see the Sydney Roosters star switch to the 15-man code until at least the 2027 Rugby World Cup set to be hosted in Australia.
Making the switch
Suaalii is the first code-switch of the Eddie Jones era at the helm of the Wallabies, as the veteran coach has been known to coax players from the 13-man game to rugby union.
The 19-year-old is no stranger to rugby union, having represented Australia Schoolboys when the side triumphed over New Zealand for the first time on foreign soil in 2019.
The impressive athlete made his league debut at the age of 17 for the Roosters and has made 27 appearances since then. Suaalii also represented Samoa at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
One to watch
Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon said he had been impressed by the young star’s athleticism from what he had seen.
“I’ve seen him play league, he’s pretty athletic. I haven’t seen him play union yet so, you know, that stuff’s really out of my control, but he looks like a great athlete,’ Gordon told reporters.
“I’m sure he’d go well in union… we’d be happy with it.”
Meanwhile, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan had a simple message for the star.
“Welcome back to Rugby, Joseph.”
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