Manchester: Mal Meninga has praised the teen who snubbed him to represent Samoa – and will now face the Kangaroos in the World Cup final – but the Australian coach warned of his own “weapon”.
Joseph Suaalii was expected to make Meninga’s 24-man World Cup squad, but he stunned the rugby league world by defecting to Samoa on the eve of the tournament.
Roosters winger Suaalii has enjoyed a stellar campaign at fullback and played a crucial role in Samoa’s fairytale run to the final.
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The 19-year-old’s opposite number at Old Trafford on Sunday morning AEDT is Roosters teammate and Kangaroos captain James Tedesco.
Meninga wouldn’t divulge his conversations with Suaalii in the lead-up to the World Cup, but emphasised he only wanted players who were “passionate” about wearing the green and gold.
“I’m pretty happy that he made a choice. I’ve said all along… I want players playing (for Australia) with passion,” Meninga said.
“He wants to play for Samoa because he’s got a passion for it. He’s been playing really well through the tournament, but I’m really happy with my 24 players putting on the green and gold because they want to be there too.
“We’re no less passionate or committed than any other team.
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“I think it’s been great for the game and for players to play for whoever they want to play for, particularly their ancestral nations.
“And it’s proved a point, the Samoan side have made the grand final.”
Meninga conceded he’d missed out on a serious talent in Suaalii, but reminded critics that his fullback is arguably the best player in the world.
“Yes (he’s a serious talent), same as James Tedesco, our fullback,” Meninga said.
“But yeah Suaalii is (a weapon) and we’ll come up with a plan to try and nullify him, we know that he’s going to run that ball back hard and we’ve got to handle that.
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“That’s what rugby league is all about. It’s confrontational and we will have to come up with the right answers when he does carry the football.
“He’s a great player, he’s 19 years of age and we all know how special he is. He’s one of those players that can play any position. He can play fullback, wing, centre, could probably play five-eighth too, he’s got the skill set.
“He could probably play front row, he’s got the size. He’s a special talent that’s going to have a huge career in our game.”
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Suaalii has refused to speak to the press during the knockout stages and will not be put up for media duties in the lead up to the final.
The Roosters young gun has an option in his favour for 2024 which means he’s currently allowed to sign with rival clubs for that season.
