Sydney Roosters ahead Brandon Smith was in classic type whereas discussing teammate Joseph Suaalii’s bombshell code change, boldly claiming “a $1.6 million winger from the Roosters isn’t going to help the Wallabies beat the All Blacks”.
On Saturday, Suaalii formally signed with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, informing the Roosters he’ll go away the NRL membership on the finish of subsequent season.
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The 19-year-old had been closely linked with Rugby Australia forward of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour and 2027 Rugby World Cup, and he has now penned a deal – reportedly price $1.6 million per season – till the top of 2027 to turn out to be Australia’s highest-paid rugby participant in historical past.
Suaali’i set to signal with Wallabies | 00:36
Speaking to reporters on Sunday morning, Smith congratulated Suaalii on the seven-figure deal, however predicted the winger’s rugby league profession wasn’t over.
“I only really found out about it this morning. I saw a lot of stuff on Instagram, but I just heard the price they paid as well. Hopefully he’ll be shouting some feeds for the boys,” Smith laughed.
“Super stoked for him. He’s an amazing talent, and rugby really got a gem there.
“He’s only gone for three years, I think he’ll be about 16 when he comes back. So he’ll be able to come back to the Roosters hopefully and finish out his rugby league career.
“Go over and get that easy money then come back to the real sport … my parents always thought rugby was really soft.”
The New Zealander continued: “That $1.6 million could have been spent better on the grassroots of rugby … a $1.6 million winger from the Roosters isn’t going to help the Wallabies beat the All Blacks.
“I guess it’s an opportunity for him to be able to look after his loved ones and his family … he’s extremely professional, extremely humble. I just hope I get a few feeds out of it.”
Meanwhile, ARLC Commission chairman Peter V’landys took a swing at rugby union within the wake of Suaalii’s code swap, claiming {the teenager} will get “terribly bored” in union and return to the NRL sooner or later.
“It’s hard to blame Joseph for going to rugby and considering it as his future when he is going to be paid twice the money for doing half the work,” V’landys advised the Sydney Morning Herald.
“In rugby they play around 33 minutes per match, but in league the ball is in play for 57 minutes, so it would be a lot easier to earn your money.
“Besides, I really think that after Joseph plays rugby for a little while he will get terribly bored and return to rugby league. That’s what the majority of the players who switch codes do.”
Suaalii grew up taking part in membership rugby league earlier than balancing the code along with his rugby union duties on the King’s School, debuting with the Roosters as a 17-year-old.
“Joseph has been transparent with the club and we respect his decision,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson stated.
“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.”
The fullback performed for the Rabbitohs within the Harold Matthews Cup whereas additionally gaining choice in union consultant sides; GPS 1st XV, the NSW Schoolboys and Australian Schoolboys sevens.
“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,” Suaalii stated.
“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.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
