Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii has made it clear he has made no promises regarding a rugby league return after his deal with Rugby Australia comes to an end.
The 20-year-old is set to make his NSW debut on Wednesday, but will depart the 13-man code at the season’s end to link up with the Waratahs and Wallabies.
He signed a mammoth three-year deal worth north of $5 million in 2023, but since the announcement rumours have been rife he’d agreed to return to the Roosters in 2028.
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Speaking to the SMH, Suaalii put those claims to bed, explaining: “I honestly have not said anything”.
“Nick (Politis) 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.”
Suaalii will become Australia’s highest-paid athlete across all football codes in 2025, and since he was a teenager he’s faced intense scrutiny due to his immense talent.
He also snubbed the Rabbitohs’ contract offer to join the Roosters before making his NRL debut who are South Sydney’s bitter rivals.
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However, he explained he’s “found peace with the media and everything around it” in recent years.
“I’m just focused on playing and, to be honest, family and friends’ opinions really matter to me,” he said.
It was a stressful start to my career when I was young. You kind of don’t know how to handle it.
“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.”