Joseph Suaalii has shown considerable class by contacting fallen rugby figures Hamish McLennan and Eddie Jones to thank them for their support and assure them he will be honouring his deal with Rugby Australia.

“I’ve been playing phone tennis with him all week,” Jones said. “I know what he wants to say because he spoke to Hamish and I appreciate it. His actions in calling up says it all about the sort of kid he is. He is quality. He will be right when it comes to his deal. He’s fine.”

McLennan is the man who drove the $5 million deal to take Suaalii to rugby in 2025, and he knows it played a big part in his demise as RA chairman. It gave his detractors something headline-grabbing to latch on to. But McLennan doesn’t regret the signing, saying Suaalii will be an “iconic figure” for kids in the game.

As an advertising guru and experienced media man, he knows what sells.

“I’ve talked to Joseph this week,” McLennan said.

“He was decent enough to give me a call, which is a reflection of the kind of young man that he is – and after our conversation I have no doubt he will take his contract up with RA.

Joseph Suaalii.Credit: Getty Images

“I initially contacted his family to tell them I was sorry I would not be there when he was coming. When he called, I didn’t ask him about his intentions but he made it clear he wants to honour his deal.

“He has said all along it was his dream to play for the Wallabies and Waratahs, and I will be so delighted when he does. He wants to make a difference to the sport and help out the boys.

QOSHE - Suaalii cost rugby $5m but he’s already worth $50m to the code, says McLennan - Danny Weidler
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Suaalii cost rugby $5m but he’s already worth $50m to the code, says McLennan

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25.11.2023

Joseph Suaalii has shown considerable class by contacting fallen rugby figures Hamish McLennan and Eddie Jones to thank them for their support and assure them he will be honouring his deal with Rugby Australia.

“I’ve been playing phone tennis with him all week,” Jones said. “I know what he wants to say because he spoke to Hamish and I appreciate it. His actions in calling........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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