Star player chased by rugby union

Many 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.

If he did move to Rugby Union it would be a huge loss for the sport and the Daily Telegraph have since emphasised this likelihood.

They have questioned whether or not his reported move to the centres in 2023 will be enough to satisfy him and deter him from making the move away which could reportedly be worth $10 million.

It worked with Joey Manu in the past though even questions are being raised about his future now.

It is important that rugby league keeps a hold of Suaali’i, after all he is a generational talent.

The youngster has an option in his deal allowing him to extend his deal year on year.

He did so in 2023, and according to ZeroTackle, he has chosen to exercise this deal meaning he will stay with the Roosters until the end of next season.

In light of this news Rugby Australia and new Australia Rugby Union boss Eddie Jones who turned down a move to rugby league himself has now shifted his focus to South Sydney Rabbitohs star Cameron Murray.

This ironically comes as the Rabbitohs offered Suaali’i millions to leave the Roosters for them.