Roosters star Joseph Sua’ali’i says representing the Blues in State of Origin “was always the goal” but despite his inclusion in the New South Wales side, he is “100% committed” to upholding his contract with Rugby Australia from next season.
Sua’ali’li was a somewhat surprise selection in coach Michael Maguire’s Blues team for Game I when picked to play in the centres.
Last March, when he was 19, Sua’ali’i signed a three-year contract with Rugby Australia from 2025 to 2027 worth $5 million. He will play domestically for the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby competition.
There are some pundits of the opinion that Sua’ali’i’s upcoming code switch means he shouldn’t have been considered for selection for the Blues, but those are just words to him.
Two months short of 21, Sua’ali’i speaks and conducts himself like someone well beyond his years.
He was exposed early to the spotlight, having made his NRL debut as a 17-year-old in 2021 and becoming the first player in 11 years to debut before his 18th birthday.
Sua’ali’li told reporters during the Blues’ media day that he can’t wait to represent his state in the Origin arena, being one of six debutants in Game I for New South Wales.
“Yeah, I think it was in the back of the mind, playing in the Blues jumper,” when foxsports.com.au asked if representing New South Wales was a goal at the start of the season.
“I’ve been playing rugby league since I was four years and you watch it as a kid every year. It’s a goal and a dream to play in the Blues jumper.”
Sua’ali’i isn’t affected by the commentary around his decision to leave for rugby union and whether or not he should be eligible for State of Origin honours because of the impending code switch.
“I understand everyone has their opinion, that’s your job to (sell) papers and get people to read them,” he said.
“That’s what I can understand, there’s always opinion and stuff like that but I kind of just live my life with my family, that’s the most important thing for me and my friends. “That’s what I try to do, which is focus on that. Obviously it’s there, but I don’t really pay attention to it.
“I only really believe it if I hear it from the Blues. I don’t really believe anything I kind of read, or in the media, you just don’t know if it’s true or not.
“I only believe it when it comes to the actual source.
‘I’ve signed my deal there (with Rugby Australia) so I’m committed. Obviously it’ll be hard to leave. I love the Sydney Roosters, Trent (Robinson) and Nick Politis.
“Obviously it’s hard (to leave) but it’s always been another dream of mine to travel the world, to play a home World Cup for Wallabies and play in a (British) Lions tour.”
Sua’ali’li said he is keen to follow in the footsteps of Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams, both of whom starred in rugby league before making successful transitions to union to represent the Wallabies and All Blacks respectively.
“Those of the guys I looked up to as a young kid. I wanted to do a lot of things what they did,” he said.
“Now I’m just trying to create my own path and the way I do it and the way I play footy.”
Could he come back to the NRL though when his contract with Rugby Australia expires?
Sua’ali’li played a straight bat when asked about that possibility.
“I haven’t looked that far, to be honest. I have been obviously just focusing on playing for the Roosters and trying to win here” Sua’ali’li said.
“I’m now in a Blues jumper and that’s where my focus is right now.”
Blues coach Michael Maguire defended the decision to pick Sua’ali’li on an episode of NRL360 this week.
Maguire has known Sua’ali’li since the Roosters star was 13 years old and in the South Sydney Rabbitohs junior system.
“I’ve known Joey since he was 13 and I know his dreams,” Maguire said.
“I tried to sign Joey as a young kid coming through so you get to know your people and Joey is as passionate about rugby league as any of us.
“I guess I’m living in the now and he’s been performing really well for his club and he deserves everything he gets.
“In time he’ll move on to that part of what he’s doing in his life, but I know Joey’s going to be sensational for us.”
Sua’ali’li has not only got the backing from one of his biggest supporters in Maguire, but teammates too.
Blues back rower Angus Crichton, who could be another NRL star to defect to rugby union next season, also lauded Sua’ali’li for the player and person he is.
Crichton also tipped his Roosters teammate “won’t let anyone down” next Wednesday.
“I knew he was a real deal from when I first set my eyes on him,” Crichton said.
“He’s switched on. Super self-aware and he’s sort of a bit ahead of his age in that sense.
“ I think he’s a complete pro and he’s ready for it and I think he’s been dealing with that sort of pressure since he was touted as the next big thing when he was like ten years old so it’s nothing new to him and the pressure is nothing new to him and like I said he won’t let anyone down.”
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