Suaalii denies NRL return rumors before high-profile rugby union switch.
Joseph Suaalii has firmly dismissed any speculation about a return to the NRL following his contract with Rugby Australia, despite circulating rumors of a possible comeback to the Roosters. At just 20 years old, the NSW Blues rookie is preparing for his State of Origin debut and will leave the Roosters at the season’s end after securing a lucrative $5 million deal to transition to rugby union.
Contrary to reports that Suaalii had expressed to Roosters Chairman Nick Politis his desire to return to Bondi in 2027, the young player has denied these claims. “Nick mentions it often, which is nice because it shows he values me at the club. He’s a great person and I appreciate all he’s done for me and the team,” Suaalii stated. However, he clarified, “I honestly haven’t thought that far ahead. My current focus is on playing for the Roosters and the Blues on Wednesday night.”
Suaalii’s agreement with Rugby Australia involves joining the Waratahs and Wallabies, making him the highest-paid footballer in the country. He has dismissed the notion that his selection for NSW Origin might lead him to reconsider his rugby commitment in favor of continuing with the NRL. “I love rugby, too, and everyone knows I want to pursue that dream,” he affirmed.
Since his NRL debut with the Tricolours in 2021, Suaalii has been under intense scrutiny due to his exceptional talent. Despite the ongoing criticism, he claims to have “found peace” with the constant media attention and has developed a newfound maturity in his game. “I feel like I’ve reached a point where I’ve made peace with the media and all that comes with it,” he explained. “My focus is on playing, and the opinions of my family and friends are what really matter to me. Starting my career so young was stressful because I didn’t know how to handle it.”
Over the past three years, Suaalii has gained significant experience and feels he is now growing into his role. “I’m 20 now and I feel like I’m becoming a man, adapting to different situations,” he reflected. “I’ve learned to handle things better and found peace with the understanding that the media’s job is to sell papers.”
Suaalii has been in the public eye for quite some time, with his first media coverage occurring when he was just 13 or 14, comparing him to Israel Folau. “It used to be fun to see myself in the paper back then, but now it’s something I need to manage and accept. I’ve learned how to do that, which makes my life easier,” he noted.
In summary, Joseph Suaalii remains focused on his immediate commitments with the Roosters and the NSW Blues, and despite his future move to rugby union, he has no plans to return to the NRL after his Rugby Australia contract concludes. His journey so far has equipped him with the resilience and maturity needed to handle the pressures of being a top athlete in the public eye.
