Jordie Barrett weighs in on the Wallabies' latest NRL recruits

Next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia has lured some of the very top NRL talent across the great code divide, and All Blacks star Jordie Barrett expects the new recruits to be “outstanding” in the 15-man code.

Only one of the recent transfers, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, is involved in the Bledisloe Cup series set to conclude in Sydney this weekend, but his former teammate isn’t far behind.

After helping the Roosters win an NRL title just last week, Angus Crichton has now turned his attention to the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season as he prepares to join the Waratahs in his quest for a Wallabies call-up. Word on the street is he’s eyeing the No.12 jersey, putting him in Barrett’s line of sight ahead of a Round 4 match-up with the Hurricanes in Sydney next year.

“I’m sure he’ll be outstanding,” Barrett told reporters when asked for his expectations of Crichton’s transition.

“Big, athletic, great skill set, and correct me if I’m wrong, but he played a lot of rugby union throughout high school, and then got into league. So, look, all the boys that have made the transition have been outstanding. Joseph’s improving every single week.”

Zac Lomax’s Super Rugby arrival produced some glitzy moments for the Western Force, and another title-winning Rooster, Mark Nawaqanitawase, is making his way back to union ahead of the World Cup after signing with Saitama Wild Knights in Japan Rugby League One.

The 11-cap Wallaby is also eligible for Italy and Fiji, having served his three-year international stand-down period,  and is yet to make a call on his Test future. He has, however, ruled himself out of the Nations Championship as he focuses on the coming club season in Japan.

Barrett said: “Mark’s already left a great mark in the Wallabies jersey, and he’ll be back, no doubt.”

That focus on the coming League One season also saw the 26-year-old rule himself out of Kangaroos contention for the Rugby League World Cup, which starts this week with Australia hosting New Zealand in Sydney.

Barrett said the All Blacks plan to connect with some Kiwis players ahead of Thursday’s opening game, including Tuesday’s visit from a former All Blacks Sevens speedster who has quickly made his mark with the Melbourne Rebels. The Wallabies have already caught up with their League counterparts this week, and they’re not the only ones meeting the Kangaroos.

“We’ve got the Kangaroos in our hotel, so that’s been interesting,” Barrett grinned.

“But Moses Leo’s here, and there’ll be a few boys we’ll be catching up with from the Kiwi side this afternoon and tomorrow. It’s cool. We’ll draw a lot of inspiration from two great rugby league countries going toe-to-toe, and we’ll do the same 48 hours later.”