Rugby Australia is reportedly throwing the chequebook at Sydney Roosters sensation Joseph Sua’ali’i to acquire his services for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Sua’ali’i was an exciting rugby union prospect as a teenager when he represented the NSW and Australian Schoolboys in rugby sevens before committing to rugby league and the Roosters in 2020.
SEN’s Michelle Bishop said that Sua’ali’i was the number one target for Rugby Australia and they are willing to give the 19-year-old a multi-million dollar contract.
“Rugby Australia are rolling their sleeves up and ready to ensure that the 2027 Rugby World Cup offers the best players in the country,” Bishop said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Joseph is their number one man.
“They (Rugby Australia) are building a powerful financial war chest and are going in with a stunning $10 million offer over five years to secure him.
“He fits the bill as he’s a pin up player and commercially viable and he obviously ticks a lot of boxes.
“No NRL club would be in a position to match that.”
Sua’ali’I is contracted to the Roosters until the end of 2023 and has expressed his desire to play fullback.
The Roosters phenom is one of a handful of players that Rugby Australia are hoping to lure away from league to union.
“(Sua’ali’i) is definitely not the sole player,” Bishop added.
“Matt Burton, Ryan Papenhuyzen Cameron Murray, Tom Trbojevic and even Latrell Mitchell.
“Rugby Australia are being ambitious.
“(The NRL) might have to take a look at the salary cap.
“Is it going to be enough to keep our players in the NRL?
“If I’m Joseph Sua’ali’I, I’m thinking about it.”