Roosters’ young talent Joseph Suaalii has clarified that he has not committed to returning to rugby league after his contract with Rugby Australia expires. The 20-year-old, set to debut for NSW on Wednesday, will leave the 13-man code at the end of the season to join the Waratahs and Wallabies. Despite signing a substantial three-year deal worth over $5 million in 2023, rumors have circulated that he had agreed to rejoin the Roosters in 2028.
Speaking to the SMH, Joseph Suaalii dismissed the rumors, stating, “I honestly have not said anything.” He added, “Nick (Politis) mentions it often, and it’s nice to know he wants me at the club. He’s a good man, and I respect everything he has done for me and the club – but I honestly have not looked that far ahead. I’m focused on playing for the Roosters and now for the Blues on Wednesday night.”
In 2025, Suaalii will become Australia’s highest-paid athlete across all football codes. Since his teenage years, he has faced intense scrutiny due to his immense talent. He also turned down a contract offer from the Rabbitohs to join the Roosters, South Sydney’s fierce rivals, before making his NRL debut.
However, he expressed that he has “found tranquility with the media and all that surrounds it” in recent times. “I’m solely focused on playing, and, honestly, the opinions of my family and friends are what truly matter to me,” he remarked.
“It was a challenging start to my career when I was younger. You’re kind of thrown into the deep end, and you don’t really know how to navigate it.”
“I’ve certainly learned a lot over that three-year period. Now that I’m 20, I feel like I’m beginning to mature into adulthood, so I’m adapting.”
“I’ve discovered different ways to cope with things, and I feel like I’ve found peace with it. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s just the media’s job to sell papers.”
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