Wallaby on wish list for NRL clubs
WHILE Rugby Australia has been making a play for schoolboy superstar Joseph Suaalii, several NRL clubs, including the Brisbane Broncos, are circling the hot young Wallaby.
Jordan Petaia, contracted to Australian rugby for four years, is being sounded out by at least three league clubs.
It is understood the Broncos, whose academy 20-yearold spent time in, have reached out to a family member to gauge his interest.
Another two clubs have also contacted either family members or associates of Petaia to see if he is willing to switch to the NRL next year.
He wants to be a long-term Wallaby, but uncertainty around whether RA can guarantee his salary for four years will have him wavering.
Petaia spent his junior years playing league and if RA is unable to pay his full wage when the players’ pay cut agreement with their employer runs out on September 31, expect him to seek an early release and switch codes.
And this is the situation facing rugby, not only for Petaia but all of its top stars.
Players are upset about the revelations Suaalii is being chased for big money by RA.
They suspect they will be asked to take further pay cuts beyond September 31.
RA says it is not offering Suaalii anywhere near the speculated $3 million for three years.
But the players do not believe he is interested in $200,000 a year and the dream of an Olympic gold medal.
Some believe RA should get back French-based lock Will Skelton.