Joseph Suaalii contract clause rules out any return to rugby league

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With the Grand Final done and dusted and the Panthers crowned Premiers again, it’s time to start looking ahead to next NRL season. One name who will not be around is Joseph Suaalii next year is Joseph Suaalii.

The former Roosters’ star has made a code switch to rugby union. It’s now been revealed that his contract to make the switch is even bigger than was first reported.

Suaalii contract clause revealed

It’s been over two years since we first heard news that Roosters’ Joseph Suaalii could make a code switch from rugby league to rugby union. It was August 2022 when the rumours of a potential switch first popped up.

The versatile star formally announced that he would be making the switch on 25 March 2023, when Suaalii announced that he had signed a three-year deal worth $5 million with Rugby Australia to switch codes and play rugby union for the New South Wales Waratahs and Australia.

That is where we all thought the story ended. However, now multiple outlets have reported that Suaalii’s contract contains a two-year player option worth an additional $4 million. This means, if Suaalii triggers the extension, he could make $9 million from his move to rugby union.

Roosters hopes dashed

Joseph Suaalii’s contract with Sydney Roosters officially expires at the end of October. However the club have granted him early leave so that can start the new stage of his career as soon as possible.

This was a small gesture from the club that Suaalii has spent his entire career with. However, some fans speculated that the Roosters were more willing to make this gesture because they still have Suaalii in their plans. After all, three years really is not that much time.

The news of Suaalii potentially being out of rugby league for five years though is a different story. This news basically rules out a return to the Roosters or any other club for at least five years.

Other Roosters exits

Suaalii is not the only player on the way out of the Roosters this offseason.

Joey Manu has also switched codes. He joined rugby union side Toyota Verblitz and has already been seen training with the Japanese club.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, and Sitili Tupouniua have also left the club to join other teams. Dylan Napa decided to retire and Michael Jennings potentially could do the same after the 2024 Pacific Championship.

Despite the outgoings, the Roosters are near the top of the early 2025 NRL betting odds list. Most betting sites give Sydney $11 odds to win next years’ Premiership. Reigning champions Penrith Panthers have $4.50 chances. Runner-ups Melbourne Storm are at the same with $4.50 odds of winning next year’s Grand Final.