Roosters rising star Joseph Suaalii has clarified that he has made no commitments about a return to rugby league after his Rugby Australia contract concludes.
Set to debut for NSW on Wednesday, the 20-year-old will leave rugby league at the end of the season to join the Waratahs and Wallabies. Despite rumors of a 2028 return to the Roosters following his lucrative three-year deal worth over $5 million, Suaalii dismissed these claims in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, stating, “I honestly have not said anything.”
Acknowledging Roosters chairman Nick Politis’s desire to see him back, Suaalii added, “Nick says that all the time, which is good to hear that he wants me at the club. He is a good man and I respect everything that 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. Despite the intense scrutiny he’s faced due to his talent, he remains focused on his game and the opinions of his close circle. Reflecting on his career and media pressure, he said, “I’ve obviously learnt a lot during that three-year period. I’m 20 now, I feel like I’m starting to grow into a man, so you adapt. I find different ways to handle things and I feel like I’ve found peace with it. And I’ve found peace with understanding that it’s just the media’s job to sell papers.”
Suaalii initially chose the Roosters over a contract offer from the Rabbitohs, South Sydney’s bitter rivals, before making his NRL debut. He now looks forward to representing both the Roosters and the Blues with full commitment.