Wallabies-bound Joseph Suaalii has a secret contract clause that could deliver him an extra $4 million over two years and keep him in rugby until the end of 2029, according to a media report.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the extra sauce on top of Suaalii’s $5 million-plus three-year deal brokered between former Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan and the former Sydney Roosters star’s agent Isaac Moses.
McLennan announced the arrival of Suaalii on a record-breaking three-year contract – before the high-profile chairman was removed from his post.
According to the Herald report, Suaalii has an added two-year “player option” which could result in him staying on contract with RA for five years instead of three and bank around $8 million over the course of the deal.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Suaalii is expected to be named on either the Wallabies squad or an Australian XV squad for the northern hemisphere tour after receiving an early release from the Roosters.
“We’re looking forward to Joseph’s return to rugby,” RA CEO Phil Waugh told the Herald.
“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.”
Suaalii is a chance of making his Test debut on the four-match tour against England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland but is more likely to feature in an Australian XV match first for a senior rugby debut.
The star back said recently he would not be phased by starting his rugby career in the furnace of a Test match after playing the code as a teenager.
“I am honestly not sure (when my first game will be), but I am going on that Spring Tour at the end of the year,” Suaalii said.
“There is no Super Rugby (before that). I know once I finish here I will be straight into it.
“Footy is footy. It’s a footy ball at the end of the day. It’s just about playing.
“You saw Mark (Nawaqanitawase) and what he did when he come across (to the Roosters and debuted last week).
“He looks natural. So hopefully I will be the same.”
