Joseph Suaalii asserts he has no plans to return to the NRL after his Rugby Australia contract ends, despite rumors suggesting a potential comeback to the Roosters. The 20-year-old NSW Blues rookie, who will debut in State of Origin on Wednesday night, will leave the Roosters at the end of the season following a massive $5 million deal to switch to rugby union.
Although widely reported that Suaalii expressed interest in rejoining the Roosters in 2027 to Chairman Nick Politis, he has dismissed these claims.
“Nick says that all the time, and it’s nice to know he wants me at the club. He is a good man, and I respect everything he has done for me and the club.
“I honestly haven’t looked that far ahead. My focus is on playing for the Roosters and the Blues on Wednesday night.”
Suaalii’s deal with Rugby Australia will make him the highest-paid footballer in the country as he joins the Waratahs and Wallabies. He dismissed the idea that his NSW Origin selection might make him reconsider his rugby switch.
“I love rugby, too, and everyone knows I want to go there and live my dream,” he said.
Since debuting in the NRL with the Tricolours in 2021, Suaalii has faced intense scrutiny due to his exceptional talent. Despite constant criticism, he says he has “found peace” with his media presence and has “become a man” through newfound maturity in his game.
“I feel like I’ve found peace with the media and everything around it,” Suaalii said. “I’m focused on playing, and family and friends’ opinions really matter to me. It was a stressful start to my career when I was young, and you don’t really know how to handle it.”
“I’ve obviously learned a lot over those three years. I’m 20 now and feel like I’m starting to grow into a man, so you adapt.
“I find different ways to handle things and feel like I’ve found peace with it. I’ve also come to terms with the fact that it’s just the media’s job to sell papers,” he continued.
“I feel like I’ve been in the public eye for a while. My first article was probably when I was 13 or 14, comparing me to Israel Folau.
“Back then, it was fun to see yourself in the paper, but now you have to deal with it and accept it. I’ve learned how to manage it, and that makes my life easier.”
