Hamish McLennan in staggering $50 million claim over Joseph Suaalii deal
The Roosters back has reportedly already been worth the money for Rugby Australia.
Former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan has claimed outgoing superstar Joseph Suaalii has already generated $50 million in publicity for the besieged code amid ongoing speculation around the deal. Suaalii made the huge decision to leave the Roosters to join rugby union on a four-year deal, worth a reported $5 million.
The aim is to see Suaalii play for the Wallabies at the next Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027, which will generate plenty of hype for the code. Much has been made of the deal since McLennan and Rugby Australia split ways in the wake of the Eddie Jones disaster.
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This followed Australia's worst ever performance at a Rugby Union World Cup when they were eliminated in the group stage. The notion of poaching current NRL players for huge amounts of money has also come under criticism, but McLennan has defended the move and said the youngsters deal has already generated $50 million worth of publicity for the code.
"He was decent enough to give me a call, which is a reflection of the kind of young man that he is – and after our conversation I have no doubt he will take his contract up with RA," McLennan told The Sydney Morning Herald. “He has said all along it was his dream to play for the Wallabies and Waratahs, and I will be so delighted when he does. He wants to make a difference to the sport and help out the boys.
"The criticism of him and the deal is crazy. Before he pulls on a jumper he has generated over $50 million worth of publicity for rugby ... and the first time he plays for the Waratahs in front of a full house, he pays for himself. It’s a no-brainer.”
Roosters boss claims Joseph Suaalii wants NRL return
Earlier this month, Roosters chairman Nick Politis revealed Suaalii is planning to return to the NRL after his Rugby Australia contract. “Joseph is a good guy, a good kid," Politis told Channel 9 on Tuesday night. "It’s sad that we’ve lost him to union, but he tells us he’s coming back in 2028." When asked if Suaalii would be welcomed back, Politis said: “Of course, yeah. Always a Rooster.”
While there has been plenty of speculation regarding the deal with Rugby Australia, the 20-year-old has reportedly reaffirmed his commitment and is still keen on switching to the 15-man game.
Last week it emerged that the Roosters might have scored some revenge on the Wallabies, with coach Trent Robinson meeting with Mark Nawaqanitawase to discuss joining the NRL. On Tuesday, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo flagged the possibility of implementing salary cap exemptions for teams wanting to snare players from rival codes.
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