Roosters to keep Suaalii after beating out Rabbitohs, rugby raids
Joseph Suaalii has pledged his allegiance to rugby league, repelling a rich rugby deal and a quiet South Sydney raid to remain with the Sydney Roosters in one of the deadliest backlines in football history until at least the end of the 2024 NRL season.
The Roosters faced stiff resistance to keep their 19-year-old prodigy, with the Bunnies shelling out as much as $1,000,000 a season to bring Suaalii back to Redfern — though that deal was only contingent on Latrell Mitchell potentially left the Cardinal and Myrtle to join Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins starting next season.
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The biggest threat was rugby union. Wallabies boss Eddie Jones had his sights set on Suaalii, largely because of his exposure to the fifteen-a-side game in high school.
The former English helmsman wanted to use Suaalii as a star for the future.
However, Nick Politis and trainer Trent Robinson won that fight. They managed to persuade Suaalii to play in the Tricolors alongside proven superstars like James Tedesco, Joey Manu and Victor Radley and continue learning under their tutelage.
That spot in what is perhaps the deadliest rugby league ever – including Tedesco, Suaalii, Manu and Daniel Tupou – was bolstered by a $750,000 annual payday for the youngster.
However, the negotiations never rest. The sporty basis understands that a host of Roosters bosses, including Supremo Politis himself, are already working hard to convince Suaalii to stay beyond 2024.
For now, the 19-year-old has two more years with Easts before he’s a free agent again.
The timing could be perfect for the Roosters, however; Suaalii has made it clear he would like to eventually secure a spot as a full-back in the NRL and has already played a key role at the 2022 World Cup for Samoa until their 10-30 loss in the grand final. This date in 2024 fits perfectly with Tedesco’s contract end.
While The sporty basis hasn’t heard of Sydney ranking his number one late next year, there’s every chance they’ll reshuffle to ensure Suaalii doesn’t go to a rival or even a different code.
The Samoan international originally came from the Rabbitohs youth system.
He made the cross-town trade in 2020 to join the Roosters for a little extra in the early pay package. He has since established himself as an NRL regular at a very young age.
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