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Opinion
When Hamish McLennan announced the signing Sydney Roosters’ outside back Joseph Suaalii on a three-year contract worth $1.6m per season from the end of 2024 earlier this year, it looked like one of the most bizarre decisions ever made by Rugby Australia.
Given their track record, that’s saying something.
RA emptied their piggy bank to land the potential star, even though he’s yet to celebrate his 20th birthday, had played less than 30 NRL games and has never played a game of senior rugby. Not one.
This all-in play was justified by RA on the basis that Suaalii will not only become the marquee player the Wallabies need to win a Bledisloe series, the Webb Ellis Cup, or even just defeat the Gli Azzurri in their next clash, but would also provide the code with some much needed media exposure and lift the game’s profile.
Some, though, suspect that the primary motivation was to give McLennan bragging rights over the NRL’s Peter V’landys. Whatever the reason, and now some six weeks on, it now looks like a poor decision, as Suaalii is looking very ordinary in an equally ordinary Roosters team.
Joseph Suaalii (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
So, if an average young player like Suaalii is worth the investment, it begs the question how much is one of the NRL’s star players worth, particularly when that player could help deliver some long overdue silverware, and tick a few other boxes along the way?
Take South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell for instance. Mitchell is the complete package and has all the attributes to be an instant success in rugby. At 25 years of age, he is at the peak of his powers and currently the form player of the competition.
At 193cm tall and weighing 105 kgs, Mitchell is a young giant who can not only break tackles at will, but also has speed, power, silky ball skills and a flair for the unorthodox. Defending against Mitchell is a nightmare, and speaking of defence, no one hits harder than he does, and he backs all this up by being and excellent goal kicker and a proficient field goal exponent.
Mitchell is a great competitor, and with over 170 top class games under his belt, has all the experience, confidence, physical attributes and skill to be an instant success in rugby anywhere from number 10 to fullback.
Latrell Mitchell(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
But Mitchell would never leave rugby league, right?
Absolutely he would, and here’s why:
First of all, money talks, and when multiple millions are involved, it talks very, very loudly. If Suaalii is a good investment at $1.6m per year, then Mitchell would command no less than $3m, and who wouldn’t want that sort of coin, and to become the highest paid player in either rugby code in the world.
Mitchell has said himself that he’s achieved everything there is in rugby league, and that he likes to challenge himself. He’s already won two premierships and is well on target for a third this year.
He’s represented his country, won a Rugby League World Cup, won two origin series with NSW, has topped the season’s point scoring in both 2018 and 2019, and was named Dally M Centre of the Year, also in 2019. What’s left other than more of the same?
Although contracted to Souths until the end of 2027, contracts are made to be broken, and it’s unlikely that Souths would stand in his way to take a once in a lifetime opportunity like this.
Mitchell is very confident in his own ability, would love the attention, and would have neither fear nor hesitation in taking a new challenge on.
Hamish McLennan tells us that RA has plenty of money, with some $200m in the pipeline, and spending say $9m of that on Mitchell would be a no brainer, even for Hamish.
Apart from what Mitchell would bring on the field he just might also open the door a little wider for fellow star NRL players to follow. Latrell would garner 10 times more publicity than Suaalii ever could, and provide a return on RA’s investment year on year.
Mitchell is a larger-than-life character, loves an interview and talking himself up, while young Joseph is as quiet as most 19 year olds, and largely under present when compared to Latrell.
The headlines from his signing alone would dominate the sports pages and forums for months, and how much would McLennan enjoy making the announcement, parading Latrell in the rugby jersey of choice, and having the last laugh at Peter V’landys’ expense.
If the offer came, and Mitchell was able to walk away from his contract with Souths, the NRL would be powerless to keep him, as the salary cap would preclude any financial intervention.
If Suaalii was a good deal for RA, then this would be the deal of the century, and would rank as the greatest steal since the US purchased Alaska from the Russians for a paltry $7.2m back in 1867.
So Eddie, if you’re reading this step away from the mirror for a minute, ring Hamish without delay and get him to max out RA’s credit card in the pursuit of Mitchell. Your job security may just depend upon it.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.