Former RA boss makes massive ‘$50m worth of publicity’ claim about Suaalii

Former Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has doubled down on the “no-brainer” decision to sign NRL flyer Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to a controversially lucrative multi-year deal.

The decision to sign Suaalii to such a mammoth deal has come under fire over the past few months, with the Sydney Roosters youngster struggling for form during this year’s NRL campaign.

While it’s still well over a year until Suaalii potentially dons the Waratahs’ iconic sky blue jersey for the first time, the rugby recruit has apparently generated “over $50 million worth of publicity” for the 15-player game.

Former RA boss Hamish McLennan, who was sensationally told to resign by six member union states earlier this month, spoke with Suaalii this week.

While a lot has been said about whether or not Suaalii should make the move to rugby union, with Fox Sports reporting in September that the deal was “in doubt,” McLennan insists the leaguie will honour the deal.

“I’ve talked to Joseph this week,” McLennan told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“He was decent enough to give me a call, which is a reflection of the kind of young man that he is – and after our conversation, I have no doubt he will take his contract up with RA.

“He has said all along it was his dream to play for the Wallabies and Waratahs, and I will be so delighted when he does. He wants to make a difference to the sport and help out the boys.

“The criticism of him and the deal is crazy. Before he pulls on a jumper he has generated over $50 million worth of publicity for rugby… and the first time he plays for the Waratahs in front of a full house, he pays for himself. It’s a no-brainer.”

But a return to the NRL could be on the cards for rugby union’s marquee recruit. As reported earlier this month, Suaalii has told the Roosters that he’ll be “coming back in 2028.”

With the Wallabies bowing out of the Rugby World Cup pool stage for the first time ever, and superstars including Mark Nawaqanitawase being linked with a move elsewhere, signing Suaalii beyond his new deal may already be a lost cause.

“Joseph is a good guy, a good kid. It’s sad that we lost him to union but he tells us he’s coming back in 2028,” Roosters chairman Nick Politis told Nine News earlier this month.

“Of course (we’d welcome him back). Always a Rooster.”