Less than 10 months after losing prized young gun Joseph Suaalii to Australian rugby, the Sydney Roosters could be plotting some revenge after arranging to meet with Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase.
The 23-year-old Wallabies winger will meet with Roosters officials, including head coach Trent Robertson, next week about a potential cross-code switch.
With Suaalii to leave the NRL powerhouse club at the end of next year to join the Waratahs and veteran winger Daniel Tupou nearing the end of his career, the Roosters are on the hunt for another outside back.
Mark Nawaqanitawase is being targeted by NRL powerhouse club Sydney Roosters. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)
Nawaqanitawase is off contract at the end of next year, having signed a one-year extension earlier this year, and the Roosters are considering the 192cm, 100kg winger.
Ironically, the star winger, who enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2022 before kicking on in 2023, is off contract because Rugby Australia encouraged Nawaqanitawase to sign a one-year extension.
That was in large part because RA had hoped they would have ushered through their new contracting system, where players of national interest are signed by the national body. They still haven’t.
What RA’s contracting managers didn’t anticipate was Suaalii would be lured over on a deal worth an estimated $1.5 million.
Indeed, Suaalii’s huge three-year deal is only about to be felt.
Joseph Suaalii’s mega deal is about to impact Australian rugby. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
After his brilliant finish to 2022 and strong 2023, Nawaqanitawase will earn more than $500,000 in 2024.
Nawaqanitawase will naturally point to Suaalii’s deal when his management commences conversations with RA over the coming months.
After being one of the few shining lights from a dire year, Nawaqanitawase will be able to point to a body of work, including one of the best aerial talents in the world, when discussing his next contract.
Nawaqanitawase only returned home to Australia this week after travelling throughout Europe following the Wallabies’ early World Cup exit.
It’s understood he has expressed no desire to want to leave the XV-player game but is open to hearing what the Roosters have to say.
Yet, with a British and Irish Lions campaign and a home World Cup on the horizon, it is unlikely Nawaqanitawase will be lured away.
Even so, it’s a warning for RA to get their house in order.
Cec
Roar Rookie
beginning to think you fancy me :laughing: Is that you ELC (Eddie’sLoveChild)? :laughing:
Cec
Roar Rookie
:laughing: you really do give yourself too much credit
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Aww you still crying and lashing out, forever burned by wingers :laughing:
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Yeh
Cec
Roar Rookie
Nah
Cec
Roar Rookie
Still whinging, then uppercut yourself :laughing:
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Hahaha says the perenially oversensitive cc.. grab a tissue champ..
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Thank i am :laughing: .. you on the other hand are really struggling..
Cec
Roar Rookie
Fair :laughing:
Cec
Roar Rookie
Zzzzzz, persistently offended JJ :laughing: need a hug?
Cec
Roar Rookie
Another half wit comment. you’re all class. You might need to look closer to home :laughing:
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
noones arguing against anything.. not everyone's against u champ
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Touchy! :laughing: it must be true
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Yep the storm somehow got hold of NAS from Wellington schools rugby. He was a future all black
Hughi
Roar Rookie
He could be a really great player and seems to go looking for the ball when he can. RA will do what they want to do and have not shown good choices over the last 12 months in my opinion. When it comes down to these decisions perhaps players need to look after themselves and their future as RA find their way in getting their act together. Watching him this year he has a go and has a skill level that allows him to do that.
Dyskolos
Roar Rookie
Another McLennan master stroke.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Sualli will go good...Paid overs but that's neither here nor there as far as how far he can go...tough kid who takes on the line and can kick goals.Good recruit.
Ajaxx
Roar Rookie
So Rugby Union pinched a league junior? :shocked: :silly:
Revok
Roar Rookie
Same with that overrated dud called Willam Skelton. Which Aussie club does the Australian captain play for??
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
But the Springboks pick their expats, the Wallaby’s won’t