Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs have confirmed the signing of Sydney Roosters outside back Joseph Suaalii.
The deal will see the 19-year-old join Rugby Union from October 2024 until at least the end of 2027 Rugby World Cup
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Suaalii made his name in both sports growing up, playing for the Kings School along with representing the GPS 1st XV.
He would go on and play for the Australian Schoolboys, playing a crucial role in the team that defeat their New Zealand counterparts 18-14 in 2019 for the first time on foreign soil.
At the age of 17, Suaalii made his National Rugby League debut for the Roosters in 2021, playing 27 games for the club.
He also played six games for Samoa at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
Per RA policy, terms of the contract were not announced.
Suaalii has an extensive history in the 15-a-side sport, having played Rugby for Penrith RSL, Eastwood and Northern Barbarians as well as his school.
Waratahs scrumhalf and captain Jake Gordon welcomed his signing when asked about it before their 24-14 defeat to the Chiefs.
"I've seen him play league, he's pretty athletic. I haven't seen him play union yet so, you know, that stuff's really out of my control, but he looks like a great athlete,' Gordon told reporters.
"I'm sure he'd go well in union...we'd be happy with it."
The news delighted Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan, who delivered the simplest of statements.
"Welcome back to Rugby, Joseph."
