“At the end of the day it’s my life and my dreams and what I want to do with my life. Obviously everyone is going to have an opinion on it which is respected but at the end of the day, it’s what I want to do”. (Anavaotaua Joseph Suaali’i)
After departing NRL club Sydney Roosters, Anavaotaua Joseph Suali’i has returned to the sport that began his career, rugby union.
The 21 year old took part in his first rugby training with the Wallabies since making the switch over from league.
Speaking to media, Suaali’i was in positive spirits following his first day in his new code switch.
“I’m just excited to be honest,” he said.
“I made the decision about a year and half ago, and yeah it’s come quick but I am just very excited to get on and play.”
Suaali’i is no stranger to rugby, having had a dabble in it during his high school years, and earning him a callup to the Australia Schoolboys rugby side.
His deal was announced as a three-year deal worth over $5 million, but according to the SMH’s Michael Chammas, the deal includes a player option for two years which is worth an additional $4 million.
This means if Suaali’i does trigger that option, he’ll earn at least $9 million over five years, significantly more money than he’d earn in the NRL.
The high paid out figure has caused a lot of discussion amongst fans of rugby and rugby league, but it has not fazed the young athete at all.
“I’m ready for that” Suaali’i said when asked about facing the scrutiny of his move.
“I feel like as a young kid coming through to the NRL, I feel like I had a lot of eyes on me. So this is no different, I will just stick to the process, and keep it simple. Training everyday and getting better every day and just learning from my teammates”
“At the end of the day it’s my life and my dreams and what I want to do with my life. Obviously everyone is going to have an opinion on it which is respected but at the end of the day, it’s what I want to do”.
Speaking of learning from teammates and staff, Suaali’i has had the opportunity to chat with Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt in his first session with the team.
“We’ve talked about family and getting to know each other”
“I haven’t talked with him about footy, but just pretty much about getting to know each other and get used to the boys and the team”.
