Phil Gould has delivered a scathing take on Joseph Suaalii’s deal with Rugby Australia, declaring the teen prodigy should “go now”.
Gould insisted on Monday night that instead of seeing out the remainder of his Roosters contract, set to expire at the end of 2024, Suaalii should pack his bags for his Wallabies and Waratahs venture now.
“Every time he scores a try, anything he does in our game, people are going to refer to the fact that he’s going to rugby,” Gould said on Nine’s 100% Footy.
READ MORE: ‘Cry babies’ sledge ignites Suaalii war of words
READ MORE: Glaring problem with ‘bizarre’ Eels move
READ MORE: Supercars legend announces shock racing return
“Why do we need that? Go now. You made your decision. Go now. Go now. Go now. Don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out. See ya later. Gone. He’s made his decision.”
Gould has maintained for several years that Suaalii was destined to score a rugby contract, given the bigger dollars in rugby and the astronomical talent of The King’s School product.
On Saturday, that forecast eventuated when Rugby Australia finalised a three-year deal with the Tricolours ace worth $1.6 million a year.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
The governing body hopes Suaalii, 19, will star for the Wallabies on the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia in 2025 and at the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
“He signed a contract for rugby 18 months before his rugby league contract ends,” Gould added.
“You can’t sign with any other rugby league club in that time; he can only sign with rugby.
Seibold’s warning for rugby-bound Suaalii
“He’s made his decision.
“I’ve got nothing against the kid, I’ve loved having him in rugby (league), he is a tremendous athlete, great for the game.
“But he’s decided to be a rugby player.
“Bye-bye. Off you go.”
100% Footy is now available as a podcast! Subscribe/follow via Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts.
Gould, Canterbury’s general manager of football, was asked on the 100% Footy panel if he’d tell Suaalii to go if he’d landed the Rugby Australia contract as a Bulldogs player.
“I wouldn’t do anything to hold him,” Gould said.
“As a code, I’m happy for him to go now.
“Go now,” he repeated.
“Go now.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The Mole’s Team of the Week: Superstar’s ‘stunning’ return; silver lining in Tigers’ ‘lacklustre’ loss
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
