Massive blow for Wallabies as star signs big deal

Teen sensation Joseph Suaalii is likely to recommit to the Sydney Rooster on Monday, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

Suaalii’s management is expected to agree to a one-year, $750,000 extension, that will tie the fullback to the Roosters until the end of next season.

The deal means Suaalii has once again turned his back on a strong bid by Rugby Australia who has been attempting to lure Suaalii over to the 15-player game.

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Since returning to the Wallabies in January, new head coach Eddie Jones has raised interest in poaching several NRL players to help lift the national side ahead of September’s World Cup.

Suaalii, a rugby prodigy at schoolboy level, being a potential target.

Jones has always been intrigued by high-profile NRL stars, previously luring Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri from rugby league ahead of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Last month, Sydney Morning Herald columnist and 9News reporter Danny Weidler also revealed a three-year deal tabled to Suaalii from South Sydney, worth $2.7 million.

The Rabbitohs had reportedly prepared the offer in June and had kept it up their sleeve as a “plan B” if star Latrell Mitchell chose to depart the club.

Ultimately Mitchell signed a new long-term deal in December, and South Sydney withdrew their interest in Suaalii.

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