Manchester: Australian and Samoan players are agreed on one thing heading into their World Cup final — they’ve never seen a talent quite like Joseph Suaalii.
Suaalii was expected to make the Kangaroos’ World Cup squad but he stunned the rugby league world by defecting to Samoa on the eve of the tournament.
The 19-year-old Roosters winger is considered a generational talent and has switched to fullback for Samoa with aplomb.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Meninga adamant Kangaroos wary of Samoa | 02:28
The prodigy has been running kicks back with a fearless energy not seen from a teenager since Karmichael Hunt burst onto the scene in 2004.
Samoan stars Josh Papalii and Jaydn Su’A have been left gobsmacked with Suaalii’s meticulous preparation throughout the tournament.
Now his Roosters teammate Angus Crichton, who will start for Australia on Sunday AEDT, has revealed the teen turns into a “savage” on game day.
“I’ve never see a kid like Joseph Suaalii, he’s a quality player and quality person and as soon as he steps over that white line he’s a savage and that’s what I love about him,” Crichton said.
“It’s my first time playing against him. I imagine it’d be pretty tough to tackle him (running off the back fence).
“But I also imagine it’d be pretty tough to run through our defensive line.”
Kangaroos prop Jake Trbojevic emphasised Australia have “a big job on our hands” to contain the young gun.
“He’s been great, he’s had a great year for the roosters and his tournament has been outstanding,” he said.
‘The biggest soft c*** I’ve ever seen’ | 01:51
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“He’s a quality young player, only 19, and the way he plays is unbelievable.
“You just have to do your best (to tackle him) and hope the blokes around you help.”
Samoa star Stephen Crichton harbours ambitions to play fullback in the NRL but Suaalii has kept him in the centres at this World Cup.
“His carries… only at the age of 19, back fencing everyone, I haven’t seen it in a long time,” Crichton said.
“I’m just so excited he’s on our team.”
Samoa hooker Chanel Harris-Tevita said he was simply in awe of Suaalii.
“And I’m not the only one, he’s only 19 years old and the way he carries himself on and off the field, it’s crazy,” he said.
“I’ve never seen anyone like it and he’s got a massive future ahead of him. He works so hard off the field and always wants to be better.
Walsh fighting for Broncos fullback role | 01:12
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
BURNING QUESTIONS: Why Cleary gamble could backfire; Suaalii’s $1.1m moment
WHISPERS: Bulldogs consider play for Broncos’ World Cup star amid No.1 battle
WC STARS’ PAYDAY: Panthers’ cap headache; Broncos’ $800k juggling act
RADLEY & MANU: Manu defends Roosters teammate over alleged WC brawl
“Lots of people wanted him to come bolster our squad and thankfully he did because he’s played a vital part in getting us to where we are.”
New Zealand and Roosters superstar Joey Manu, who won the Golden Boot this week, said the best is yet to come from Suaalii.
“It’s pretty crazy what he can do and I don’t think people have seen most of what he can do yet, that’s the crazy thing,” Manu said.
“He has that toughness too which really makes him a great player.
“He’s so tough in the style he plays bringing the ball back but then he’s got that class on the end of it – fans haven’t seen much of that but at training we see it every day.
“Some of the stuff he does at training in terms of skills, he’s really silky and we’ll definitely see that over the next few years.
“He’s a player that wants the ball in his hands. He’s still growing and learning and has a lot to improve, but what he’s done at his age is pretty ridiculous.”
