Eighteen months after making a shock decision to switch codes, Joseph Suaalii’s first steps in professional rugby will be determined this week.
Rugby Australia’s early release of Mark Nawaqanitawase to the Roosters in August is shaping as the “good faith” gesture that will pave the way for Joseph Suaalii to join the Wallabies on their Spring Tour of the UK and Ireland next month.
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said conversations with Schmidt, the Roosters, Suaalii and his agent would be held in coming days. But Waugh said there was a desire to ensure “we are not rushing him” and pointed to Suaalii already having a strong background in rugby.when former chairman Hamish McLennan poached Suaalii, Waugh said he had a “good relationship with Nick ” and others at the club. And while Waugh denied speculation an early Suaalii release was offered by the Roosters in exchange for Nawaqanitawase’s early transfer in August, the RA boss said there was mutual respect between the Moore Park neighbours.
The question for cash-strapped RA, however, may be whether they want to start paying Suaalii early. On a $1.6m a year contract, even two weeks extra wages would cost the union $60,000.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The good faith gesture that could clear Suaalii for Spring Tour take-offEighteen months after making a shock decision to switch codes, Joseph Suaalii’s first steps in professional rugby will be determined this week.
Read more »
Schmidt keen to discuss spring tour with Suaalii after loss to All BlacksThe Wallabies coach says his team is on the right track, despite a drought-extending loss to New Zealand in Wellington.
Read more »
Wallabies’ spring tour in Suaalii’s sights but not before Roosters swansongThe 21-year-old $5 million man has been trading cross-code intel with new Roosters teammate and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase in his final weeks at Moore Park.
Read more »
Wallabies’ spring tour in Suaalii’s sights but not before Roosters swansongThe 21-year-old $5 million man has been trading cross-code intel with new Roosters teammate and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase in his final weeks at Moore Park.
Read more »
Wallabies’ spring tour in Suaalii’s sights but not before Roosters swansongThe 21-year-old $5 million man has been trading cross-code intel with new Roosters teammate and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase in his final weeks at Moore Park.
Read more »
Suaalii’s surprise Wallabies reveal as code-hopping star non-committal on NRL returnNRL: Trent Robinson believes Sandon Smith is up to the task of steering the injury ravaged Roosters against the reigning Premiers in their opening finals match.
Read more »