Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's warning that should have NRL on notice as star backs former teammate's switch
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Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii believes the cross-code switch made by him and other Sydney Roosters stars could open the door for more NRL players to join the 15-man code.
It's been a massive couple of years for those switching codes, with Suaalii the first big name to make the leap on a multi-million dollar contract with Rugby Australia.
Mark Nawaqanitawase went the opposite direction, going from Wallabies and rugby sevens duties with Australia to playing league with the Tricolours.
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However, the gun winger will be on his way back to union in 2027 and teammate Angus Crichton will join him, leaving a gaping hole in the Roosters squad.
Angus Crichton. Getty
Crichton's defection is a major blow for the NRL given he is a current State of Origin and Kangaroos representative and Suaalii believes he will fit straight back into union, despite having a decade away from the sport since leaving school.
"I know what Gus is like," Suaalii said on Wednesday.
"He works hard, he learns very quickly too and he will be fine once he comes across.
"With his work ethic and the person he is, he will kill it."
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But the comments from Suaalii, that will have NRL officials on high-alert, came when he was quizzed about other high-profile league stars chasing dreams in the other code.
"You see boys go across and you're like, why not? I can do that as well," he said.
"That's been a key factor for a lot of kids coming through and even some older players."
Joseph Suaalii and Angus Crichton during State of Origin camp in 2024. Getty
Suaalii is preparing for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the NSW Waratahs as he looks to continue building ahead of the World Cup on home soil next year.
The 22-year-old had a disrupted first season in Super Rugby before a mixed back-end of the year with the Wallabies, but is adamant the best is yet to come.
"I feel like I'm still just touching the brim of what I can do on a rugby field," he said.
Rugby Australia received a huge boost on Wednesday when young gun Max Jorgensen committed to a long-term contract extension, knocking back interest from the Roosters.
