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Wallaby backs pursuit of Suaalii after reports of $10 million mega-deal
By AAP
Rugby Australia should chase Sydney Roosters flyer Joesph Suaalii if it will help them win a World Cup, current Wallaby Jed Holloway says.
Amid reports the 19-year-old sensation will field a monumental contract offer from RA with an eye to the home World Cup in 2027, flanker Holloway said the Wallabies' already strong backline depth could only be improved through the addition of Suaalii.
A rugby junior who played at the prestigious King's School and made the GPS 1st XV in 2018, the winger has immediately looked the part in his first NRL season, not only consistently starting for the Roosters but scoring 16 tries in 23 matches.
"If it is going to make our team better, I think would be great," Holloway told reporters on Tuesday.
"He's quite a talented person, obviously he's killing it in rugby league and he is quite young.
"We do have really good guys here in the team who you see - Marika (Koroibete) on the weekend, Tommy Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Jordie Petaia all coming through as well.
"We've got a huge amount of depth but if it's going to make us be better and help win a World Cup, then why not?"
Media reports say Suaalii would be offered $10 million over five years to sign with RA, as the main attraction on a shortlist of NRL stars to be chased in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup.
Australia has not won the tournament since 1999, and are among the lesser fancies for next year's edition in France.
Asked what sales pitch he'd give to the teen if that wasn't enough, Holloway encouraged Suaalii to consider the lifestyle the code-switch might allow.
"The beauty about rugby is you get to do what you love and travel the world," he said.
"It's genuinely the beauty of the game, you can go basically wherever in the world and take your pair of boots with you and play rugby."
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Latest Comments
Let’s blame a Chief instead ! 😀
Cane didn’t start in Yokohama but 5 Crusader forwards did and got their tails kicked by the John Mitchell coached England forwards. Well done Hansen!
Go to commentsI don’t really share Johnson’s opinion. Nothing better than Tupaea and Lienert-Brown in NZ? It’s a good duo, and he wouldn’t look out of place, but I think we can do better. Tavatavanawai seems superior to Tupaea at 12. He’s a brute force, who makes few mistakes (which can still be criticized in Tupaea), formidable both with and without the ball in close contact. I can see him playing with Proctor. On paper, this combination would be very, very interesting, in the same philosophy as the iconic Nonu/C Smith duo.
Anyway, I remain convinced that in Razor’s mind, Jordie Barrett is indispensable at center, and he could quickly team up with Leicester Fainga’anuku. I’m betting on that in the near future.
However, a Tavatanawai/Proctor duo would be very interesting. Ennor also seems to be a good option instead of Proctor, who still hasn’t played this season. But Ennor has only played one match... he needs to be seen again and get some game time. There is a lot of talent in New Zealand in these two positions. The hardest part will be cutting players who could make a difference for many teams. The choices are going to be tough. If I had to make a bold bet, and unlike Johnson, I don’t see Tupaea being selected, and I imagine ALB could be in a tight spot against Proctor and Ennor if they are fit.
I imagine Jordie, Havili, Rieko, and Fainga'anuku with Tavatavanawai. Ennor or Proctor if Fainga'anuku is not selected in July. And ALB if Jordie is rested
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