Rugby Australia’s mega-bucks swoop for teenager comes loaded with potential problems | Bret Harris

No 16-year-old is worth even close to $3m and Joseph Suaalii certainly should not be rushed into Super Rugby or Tests before he is readyRugby Australia is seeking to deliver a rare coup, but is gambling the future of the game on a child prodigy who may or may not ever fulfil his potential. RA has strenuously denied offering teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii a $3m deal to turn his back on a fledgling NRL career with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. But even if you accept the denial of a mega deal, the youngster is clearly not going to come cheap. New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie admits he is highly impressed with Suaalii, while Rabbitohs great Sam Burgess has described his talent as “unbelievable.” Others have predicted Suaalii could be the next Israel Folau. The kid can play, but the signing of Suaalii on a deal anywhere close to what established Wallabies players earn would potentially have all sorts of ramifications, particularly in these financially perilous times. Related: Cash-strapped Rugby Australia denies $3m offer for teenage NRL prospect Continue readingread full article

Source: TheGuardian

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