Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan has issued a dire warning to rugby league if Joseph Suaalii is frozen out from State of Origin selection.
Suaalii, 19, is a chance of making his debut for New South Wales in this year’s series. He would most likely be picked on a wing, and his chances have increased since the long-term injury to Josh Addo-Carr.
But some have suggested the Roosters whizkid be kept out of Origin – generally considered the pinnacle for Australian-born NRL players – following his deal to join the rival code at the end of next year.
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Suaalii will defect to Rugby Australia on a contract said to be worth $1.6 million a year, with an aim to represent the Wallabies at the 2027 World Cup.
“League should pick on talent and form, and not be vindictive,” McLennan told Danny Weidler’s Sydney Morning Herald column.
“I suspect they’ll have a better chance of ever getting him back if they’re dignified about it.
“If Joseph’s wish was to return to league at some point in the future, we’d be relaxed about it. It’s a greater honour to play for the Wallabies or in a Lions series, but we wouldn’t be punitive.”
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The Roosters have made it clear they want Suaalii to return to the club once he’s filled his cup in rugby.
As for State of Origin, Blues coach Brad Fittler says he has no issue picking Suaalii despite his deal to jump ship next year.
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Wallabies coach Eddie Jones wants the teenager to taste Origin before converting.
“The league recruits we had in the past, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers, all were brilliant at Origin,” Jones told Weidler.
“It’s a true test of a league player, and they showed they could cut it there, and it would be good to see Joseph in that same arena.
“I think if you can handle what Origin throws at you, it shows you will be able to handle Test rugby. It’s the highest of standards and it would be great to see him make it into the Blues side and then play well.”
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