Rugby Australia (RA) has turned the tables on the National Rugby League (NRL) by pulling off the signing of 16-year-old Joseph Suaalii. The teen is tipped by many experts in the code to be a once-a-lifetime talent and has represented the Junior Wallabies and New South Wales in the junior rugby league sides.

The rumour is that Suaalii has been swayed by a $3 million contract offer from Rugby Australia. The size of the contract has drawn outrage from both codes, with Rugby Australia reporting significant losses in 2019 due to a legal fight with former star Israel Folau and the onset of COVID pandemic. Many are questioning how a code on the brink of bankruptcy can make a huge financial offer to a teenager.

It’s been reported in the Australian media that Suaalii turned his back on a $1.2million USD three-year contract with NRL side South Sydney. The teenager will be under instant pressure to perform once he turns out for the Waratahs in Super Rugby.

Suaalii has been training with South Sydney NRL squad during the pre-season and won instant plaudits with the senior members of the side. South Sydney hooker Damien Cook was confident the young gun will be a success in whichever code he decides to take up: