Eddie Jones gets his top target as Joseph Suaalii signs with Rugby Aus
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has landed his top target with Sydney Roosters flyer Joseph Suaalii signing a deal with Rugby Australia from October 2024.
Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs confirmed the news on Saturday, with the teenager inking what's believed to be a multi-million dollar deal through until at least the end of 2027.
In a short statement, RA Chairman Hamish McLennan said, "Welcome back to Rugby, Joseph."
Heralded as a generational talent during his playing days with the Kings College First XV in Sydney, Suaalii was at the centre of bidding war from rival codes.
Both rugby league and union wanted his services, and it was NRL heavyweights the Sydney Roosters who eventually won that race.
But Suaalii has been back in the headlines for quite some time now, as speculation over his future continues to dominate the rumour mill in both codes.
As reported earlier this week, the allure of a British and Irish Lions tour and a Rugby World Cup on home soil were reportedly major factors in bringing Suaalii back to the 15-player game.
Nine News’ Danny Weilder claimed a deal with “close” to done earlier this week on Twitter.
Echoing that belief, rugby league reporter Andrew Webster said a deal was “all but done” on Australian radio this week.
“I got a call from our chief rugby reporter Georgina Robinson, and she said that there has been talk everywhere of a deal being all but done from ’25 onwards for Joseph Suaalii to go to the Wallabies,” Webster told SEN 1170’s The Run Home earlier this week.
“That’s when the British and Irish Lions will be out here, and they’ve obviously got the World Cup here in Australia in 2027.
“I have to say when I spoke to the Roosters to follow up… there was a bit of sort of quiet resignation that it may be the case.”
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Finau is not leaving a lot of room for error that’s true, but he committed to 3 out of four tackles when the player had the ball so that’s all legal. (And incredibly entertaining)
Go to commentsThings I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
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