It may be at least five years until we see Joseph Suaalii back in the NRL again amid the report that his rich deal with Rugby Australia includes a secret contract clause.
Suaalii’s deal was announced as a three-year deal worth over $5 million, but according to the SMH’s Michael Chammas, the deal includes a player option for two years which is worth an additional $4 million.
This means if Suaalii does trigger that option, he’ll earn at least $9 million over five years, significantly more money than he’d earn in the NRL.
Suaalii’s agent Isaac Moses helped broker the deal, which shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to rugby league fans, given Moses’ history of adding clauses into his clients’ deals (see Blaize Talagi, Adam O’Brien).
When the SMH asked him about Suaalii’s contract, Rugby Australia CEO and Wallabies legend Phil Waugh played a straight bat.
“We’re looking forward to Joseph’s return to rugby,” Waugh said.
“There has already been plenty of discussion and commentary ahead of his move because Joseph is a special talent who naturally generates public interest.
“We strongly believe he will make a positive contribution to the game on and off the field.”
Despite being officially under contract with the Roosters until October 31, Suaalii has been granted an early request to join the Wallabies camp ahead of their UK tour in November.
Suaalii isn’t the only Roosters stud to leave the club to switch to rugby union at season’s end.
Joey Manu has already been captured on social media introducing himself to new teammates and training with Japenese rugby side Toyota Verblitz.
