Cross-code superstar Mat Rogers has revealed he doesn’t understand the “animosity” towards Joseph Suaalii after it was confirmed he had signed with Rugby Australia.
The 19-year-old’s NRL tenure will end after the 2024 season, signing a huge $1.6 million per-year deal to join the 15-man code.
Suaalii will likely take part in the Wallabies’ British and Irish Lions series next year, before he plays in a World Cup on Australian soil in 2027.
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Rogers also made the big switch, swapping the Kangaroos for the Wallabies for five seasons from 2002 to 2006 before return to the NRL with the Titans.
“We’ve got to understand he was a rugby union player, he came from rugby and he’s always said he wanted to play rugby,” Rogers said on SEN.
“So, I don’t get the animosity or the hurt or the angst towards it, and he’s never made it a secret that he wanted to go back there.”
Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has been one of the loudest critics of Suaalii’s move, calling for the NRL to cut ties immediately.
Suaalii still has over a season and a half left with the Roosters and showed he is committed with an impressive performance, filling in for James Tedesco at fullback against the Eels on Thursday night.
However, Gould believes anything the young gun does from here forward will only bring focus to the 15-man code.
“Every time he scores a try. Every time he does something in our game people are going to refer to the fact that he’s going to rugby,” Gould said on Nine’s 100% Footy.
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“Why do we need that? Go now. Don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out. Go. Go now. Gone. He’s made his decision. You sign a contract for rugby 18 months before his league contract ends.
“You can’t sign with any other rugby league club in that time. He can only sign somewhere else.
“He’s made his decision. I have nothing against the kid. I’ve loved having him in the NRL. He’s a tremendous athlete and is great for the game. But he’s decided to be a rugby player. Bye bye. Off you go.”
Rogers has responded and questioned if Gould would have the same stance if Suaalii was a Bulldogs player.
“He’ll fulfil his obligations to the Roosters, and if it becomes untenable then they’ll work something out but I’m sure it won’t,” Rogers said.
“They don’t want to let him go, for Gus to say leave now, I mean if he was at the Bulldogs I wonder if he’d have the same opinion.”
