Rugby Union CEO Raelene Castle has responded to criticism from the National Rugby League (NRL) over her organisation’s $1.6 million bid for schoolboy player Joseph Suaalii.
The 17-year-old Suaalii is a highly sought-after player, with both the NRL and Rugby Union vying for his signature. The NRL has accused the Rugby Union of “poaching” Suaalii, claiming that the $1.6 million offer is an attempt to lure him away from the NRL.
In response, Castle has defended the Rugby Union’s offer, saying that it is not an attempt to poach the player but rather an effort to retain him in the sport. She said that the offer was made in order to ensure that Suaalii could continue to play rugby union, and that the money was intended to cover his educational and other costs associated with his transition into professional rugby.
Castle also noted that the $1.6 million offer was made after careful consideration of Suaalii’s potential and the value he could bring to the sport. She said that the offer was made in order to ensure that Suaalii could continue to play rugby union, and that the money was intended to cover his educational and other costs associated with his transition into professional rugby.
The Rugby Union CEO also pointed out that the NRL had previously offered Suaalii a similar amount of money, and that the Rugby Union was simply responding to this offer in order to keep him in the sport.
Overall, Castle has defended the Rugby Union’s offer for Joseph Suaalii, saying that it is not an attempt to poach him but rather an effort to ensure that he can continue to play rugby union. She also noted that the offer was made after careful consideration of his potential and the value he could bring to the sport, and that it was made in response to a similar offer from the NRL.
