Former Storm star and current Queensland Red Rugby winger Suliasi Vunivalu is back on the radar of the NRL after his shock omission from the Wallabies led to links back to rugby league.
Despite being contracted to both the QLD Reds and ARU until the end of 2025, the Wallabies snub has reportedly seen Vunivalu become keen to explore his options.
The two-time Premiership winning flyer is sure to be in high demand.
Below are five teams I believe are potential landing spots should the Wallaby winger return to rugby league:
Parramatta Eels
Given their rep heavy forward pack and all star halves pairing, it’s no secret that the Eels back five is their weakness.
Zac Lomax will arrive in 2025 but it almost certain to move back into the centres. Will Peninisi looks like he has the other
Blaize Talagai looks an incredible talent and surely has sights on the fullback spot long term. He will likely have to bide his time on the wing and fill in around injuries and Origin commitments elsewhere.
Maika Sivo can be damaging but does not go looking for work, and can hardly be accused of being consistent.
Eels fans (at least across social media) have urged the club to move on from Sivo.
If they choose to do that, Vunivalu is a brilliant option.
Although he’s been playing in the other code for multiple seasons, I can’t see any issue slotting right back into a spot on the Eels wing.
If I’m an Eels fan, I’m taking that swap all day, every day.
If Vunivalu does opt to honour his contract in 2025, Clint Gutherson isn’t 21 anymore, and a spot in the backline may open up in 2026, with Talagai moving to fullback.
Watch this space.
Sydney Roosters
Ironically one Rugby winger will be switching codes to join the Roosters in 2025. Why not make it a second, or add a second in 2026.
Daniel Tupou was reportedly on his way out of the club before both Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii signed to depart to the 15 a side code.
Tupou’s one year extension sees him hold onto his spot for 2025 but Vunivalu could join Dom Young to form a fearsome wing combination in 2026.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will likely play in the centres beside Billy Smith, but he may also be seen as another option on the wing. That probably means Vunivalu would have to look elsewhere for 2025.
The Roosters aren’t known for showing great patience. They’ve also shown they’re willing to take a punt on Rugby players.
This time they’d be taking a “punt” on a Rugby player who is also a Dally M winger of the year and a multiple time NRL title winner.
St George Illawarra Dragons
I’m not going to sugarcoat this. Vunivalu would walk into the Dragons line-up on the wing.
Zac Lomax is on his way to the Eels, while Mikaele Ravalawa has hardly made that spot his. He is currently serving a lengthy suspension after being sent off while in NSW Cup.
The Dragons are very active in the player market and need to make a splash. A winger shouldn’t be their number one priority but for the Red V it is a case of signing players to improve.
In the Feagai brothers they have two talented youngsters, but neither of which would be worth passing on the Fijian flyer right now.
Flanagan knows his squad needs an urgent overhaul so I would be shocked if they haven’t already seen an eye cast Vunivalu’s way.
At 28 years of age, Vunivalu has plenty of experience but isn’t at the end of his career. I see him as the perfect age to add to a Dragons side on the rise.
Flanagan isn’t known for running out and splashing the cash so I don’t see the Dragons getting into a bidding war here.
That said, the former Sharks title-winning coach knows when to pony up. Vunivalu could be an important piece moving forward.
The Dolphins
I was actually a little shocked to see the Dolphins mentioned as one of the teams linked to the winger.
Having re-signed Jack Bostock and boasting Jamayne Isaako, Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo, I’m not 100% sure where Vunivalu fits in.
That said, you can never have too many options.
With injuries running rife across the competition and the Hammer being a rep certainty for any side, adding another quality winger is never a bad option.
In terms of destination, it’s a solid option.
The Dolphins are on the rise. They’re stacked with talent and have a highly touted young coach taking over from one of the best in the business next year.
There’s a lot to like.
I just can’t see a world in which Vunivalu would go anywhere he’s not guaranteed a start.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Despite their horror start to their 2024 season, the Bunnies are in win now mode.
Wayne Bennett will return to the club to chase the title he could not deliver in his previous stint.
They’ve added star halfback Lewis Dodd to a side that should be chasing a title.
The one thing they lack is a second superstar, try scoring wing option to join Alex Johnston on the flanks.
Vunivalu could very well be the final piece of the puzzle in red and green.
With names such as Walker, Wighton, Mitchell, Koloamatangi, the aforementioned Dodd and Graham on the roster, there is no reason why Wayne Bennett shouldn’t be looking for a title next year.
Vunivalu, if available right away, shapes as the final piece of a potential Premiership puzzle.
Prediction:
Souths and the Dragons make the most sense.
The Dragons will be able to offer more money than the Bunnies. Considerably so.
That said, if Vunivalu is looking for the shortest route to another NRL title, Souths shape as a very real option.
I would be shocked if Shane Flanagan doesn’t launch an almighty raid on the cross code star.