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The Semi Radradra verdict on Joseph Suaalii joining union from NRL
Fijian powerhouse Semi Radradra has given his verdict on the recent signing by Rugby Australia of Joseph Suaalii from the NRL. The 19-year-old Sydney Roosters player won’t be available for the Wallabies until 2025, as he won’t cross codes to play for the Super Rugby Waratahs until his current league deal expires at the end of the 2024 season. However, the ambitious decision by the Samoan-capped league teenager has been given the thumbs up by Radradra.
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The Fijian was only an 18-year-old when he quit Fiji 7s to join the Paramatta Eels in 2011 and it was 2017, when Toulon came calling, that he then made the switch back to union from league, embarking on a European odyssey that has also included stints with Bordeaux and Bristol ahead of his upcoming move back to France to join Lyon.
Rugby Australia’s offer of a deal reportedly worth $1.6million per season ahead of the 2027 home Rugby World Cup was too much for Suaalii to resist, and Radradra has likened the high-profile signing to what Eddie Jones previously did two decades ago when last in charge of the Wallabies prior to the home 2003 RWC.
At the time Jones poached Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers and history is now repeating itself with Suaalii agreeing to a three-year deal from 2025 worth in excess of $5m. Appearing on the latest episode of The Rugby Pod, the now 30-year-old Radradra was asked how Suaalii would fare making the transition from league to union with Jones now back in charge of the Wallabies.
“To be honest, the Wallabies have struggled for a bit. Now that Eddie is there he wants to bring that Lote, Wendell Sailor (era) back in. That is what he wants to bring back in the team. Suaalii played union before as well, so he is grand, he’s grand. He is really good. In the outside backs as a centre or a winger, high ball, I reckon he will be one to watch coming up.”
Champions Cup Wrap up with co host Ben Youngs and Bristol’s Flying Fijian Semi Radradra ???
Listen now on Spotify ? https://t.co/ZgITyQl2W1 pic.twitter.com/N7BxMJYGNW
— The Rugby Pod (@TheRugbyPod) April 4, 2023
It was 12 years ago when Radradra made the switch in the other direction as a teenager, quitting union for a money-spinning NRL offer that changed his life. “I was 18 years old when I made my debut for the Fiji 7s. I played three legs, Gold Coast, Dubai and South Africa, and then we came back and had two weeks off before Las Vegas. I received a phone call from my agent and asked if I wanted to play rugby league.
“Back then, rugby league in Fiji wasn’t big. I said I had no idea of the rules and stuff. But he said, ‘I’ll pay for your flight, fly tomorrow and have a look at the contract. If you are happy you stay for two years. If you are not happy, I can pay for your flight back’.
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“The next day I caught the flight from Fiji to Australia and no one knew, not even my family. We went to Paramatta Eels and I asked where is the page, where is the money? That was all that mattered. I went to the last page, saw the offer and said, ‘Okay, I’ll stay’. I signed straight away. I was working in the mines in Fiji, it was very risky and you were paid s*** money. So that offer, I couldn’t resist.”
Radradra suffered a hamstring injury when running in a Challenge Cup try for Bristol last Friday against Clermont, sparking fears that he wouldn’t play again for the Bears before he leaves for France. However, he is optimistic that he will be fit in time for the May 6 Ashton Gate clash versus Gloucester in the final round of the Gallagher Premiership.
“Good news, good news,” he enthused. “I had a scan after the game and hopefully I can play one more game before I head to France. I’m going to Lyon and looking forward to it. I was in Bordeaux for two years and in Toulon for a year. I like playing in France and looking forward to next season.”
Radradra will also play for the Barbarians before leaving England, as he is in the Jones-coached squad for their May 28 Killik Cup showdown with Steve Hansen’s World XV at Twickenham. Which player is he most looking forward to playing with in that fixture?
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“I would like love to play with Marika Koroibete. I have played against him in rugby league but I haven’t played with him, so it would be a dream.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Not good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to comments