Sydney Rooster’s star Joseph Sua’ali’i has made the cross-code change from rugby league to union, and ignited a war of words between the NRL and the Wallabies. One of the top young talents in rugby league, the 19-year-old confirmed his intentions to play for Eddie Jones side, and will start playing rugby union in October 2024.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys, stated how Sua’ali’i would get “terribly bored” when playing rugby union. However, the three year contract has been signed with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, with Wallabies chair Hamish McLeannan calling out the NRL.
Speaking with ABC Sport Daily, McLeannan said;
“They’re cry babies.”
“So, they’ve lost their rising star, their talent. Joseph has made the choice. I think they should respect his choice and they’re attacking his age and having a swing.
“The reality is, our guys travel the world. The current Wallaby crop will be playing at the third-biggest sporting event (Rugby World Cup) in France … our players get life experience that you wouldn’t get anywhere.”
Sua’ali’i’s Rooster’s teammate Brandon Smith has also commented on the move, stating how the ‘footie’ star is not the missing piece of the Wallabies’ puzzle.
“Super stoked for him, he’s an amazing talent and rugby really got a gem there,” Smith said. “[But] a $1.6m winger from the Roosters isn’t going to help you beat the All Blacks.” The Guardian reported.
“Like [ARL Commission chair] Peter V’landys said, ‘go over, get that easy money and then come back to the real sport’. That $1.6m could’ve been spent better on the grassroots of rugby.”