NRL great Scott Prince has thrown his support behind teenage phenom Shalom Sauaso pursuing multiple rugby codes, until the rival sports attain full-time professionalism.
The 17-year-old is in a tug of war for her services, as she prepares to play for the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby Women’s semi-final on Sunday before launching her NRLW career at the Brisbane Broncos.
Sauaso has also been on rugby sevens radar, having been named the 2023 Global Youth Sevens’ most valuable player. By the time of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, she will be approaching her prime.
Shalom Sauaso’s tackle-busting ability has been crucial in the Queensland Reds’ strong season.Credit: Neha Kumar/Queensland Rugby Union
But her NRLW coach Prince gave her his blessing to continue juggling the codes.
“If she still wants to play Super Rugby in our off season, we will back her to the hilt,” Prince said.
“If it doesn’t affect our prep and preseason and season, I’m 100 per cent behind her until such time it does become professional.
“She’s a power athlete, and she’s not afraid to take the game by the scruff of the neck. She’s not afraid of her opponent, and it’s why I wouldn’t hesitate [to select her] from the day she turns 18 and can play our game.
“She’s got an aura about her to make a statement in the game.”
The Wallaroos squad member said her family had spoken about choosing “whatever takes you furthest”.
Those contracted to Australia’s sevens program average $110,000 annually, while the top-tier Wallaroo-contracted players can earn up to $72,458 through the 15-woman game.
The NRLW continues to grow its season (11 rounds) and teams (12) – compared with Super W’s four rounds – with the average wage expected to increase to $63,250 by 2027 outside of State of Origin ($15,000 a game) and international duties.
But Prince believed financial factors would not be Sauaso’s key consideration.
“Rugby league and union will always have their financial gains, then there’s always something for the player,” Prince said.
“The World Cup in rugby is a carrot, the ability to play sevens where you can travel the world, and in our game we have State of Origin.
“It’s not about me trying to sell her the dream, she’s got to want to do it and fall in love with the game and be passionate about the game.
“Even though we see Shalom as a bit of a superstar, with all the makings of reaching those heights, let’s not lose sight of the fact she’s only 17.”
Sauaso has become one of rugby’s most ferocious defenders, in direct contrast to the softly spoken, humble teenager she is.
The way she stood up to Wallaroos star Cecilia Smith against the Western Force booked a Ballymore semi-final against the Fijian Drua, as her tackle-busting carries helped orchestrate the 47-10 win.
Sauaso’s growth accelerated playing alongside Charlotte Caslick, Bella Nasser, Kahli Henwood and Teagan Levi at the Reds, and Queensland coach Andrew Fraser stressed that partnership must feature in preparations for hosting the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“She’s an exceptional talent, and if she’s enjoyed herself this year then hopefully she can consider her options down the track but stay with us long-term,” Fraser said.
“The ability to bring the sevens girls into the face of 15s rugby has been a worthwhile exercise, and the girls have shown they can compete at this level.
“It’s now working together to harmonise it. Ultimately, the goal for the women’s program is to build out more meaningful fixtures.
“We’ve seen the appetite is there.”
