Some amazing players generated headlines during the Rugby League World Cup.
One more so than others was Samoa star Joseph Suaali’i.
The Sydney Roosters back was given the chance to star at fullback, a rare instance given James Tedesco, Australia skipper, is nailed on at one at the Roosters.
He truly shone as well due to his explosive running style and the power he possesses.
Suaali’i was described by the likes of former St Helens man Jon Wilkin and others as a “generational talent” however the task for rugby league is keeping him in the sport.
The World Cup Finalist is drumming up interest all across the planet despite still being a teenager.
The trouble at Sydney is they have three players capable of shining at fullback in Tedesco, Suaali’i and of course Golden Boot winner and New Zealand international Joey Manu.
Making things more difficult is that the experienced Tedesco has reportedly contacted the Roosters asking them to extend his deal even though he isn’t currently close to expiry.
If they do extend his deal, Suaali’i’s chances of playing fullback will become thinner which could only spark a further chance of a move away or even to a different sport.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the fullback could very well make the move to European Rugby Union or indeed Rugby Union down under.
Now Australian journalist Phil Rothfield has told the Big Sports Breakfast that he doesn’t see how the Roosters will afford to keep him despite his love for the Roosters:
“I just don’t see where they are going to be in a position to pay him, despite the fact he is still a teenager, the eight, nine hundred-thousand, towards a million dollars, that other clubs would be prepared to pay for the brightest young star in rugby league,” Rothfield said.
“Having said that I know he loves the Roosters, he loves Trent Robinson, he’s really grateful for the fact the club has educated him so patiently to help him adjust to the rigours of day in, day out NRL football.
“The other question is the Wallabies, they have struggled a lot in recent times to have big-name players.
“The Roosters don’t want to put pressure on him but eventually he is going to have to make a decision… because he is off-contract at the end of this year and they need a call on him.”
