As NRL star Payne Haas was linked to a high-profile cross-code change, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has declared their rugby league cousins have “misplaced their minds” after sensationally attacking his assembly with rugby-bound Joseph Suaalii.
Weeks after Suaalii signed a multi-million-dollar deal to affix Rugby Australia in 2025, McLennan and fellow board member Phil Waugh met the 19-year-old for espresso in Woollahra on Wednesday morning.
Inside hours, Information Corp had caught wind of the assembly and declared {the teenager} had been “sprung” and left “crimson confronted” from his “secret assembly”.
Joseph Suaalii met with Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan and board member Phil Waugh on Wednesday. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Photos
Information Corp insinuated the again had been distracted and didn’t have his priorities proper following consecutive defeats.
On Wednesday afternoon, McLennan hit again.
“The NRL has completely misplaced their thoughts,” McLennan advised The Roar.
McLennan stated there was nothing sinister at play and the governing physique was checking in on his “well-being” following the “media firestorm”.
“At rugby, we’re very pro-player and their welfare.”
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan says rugby league have “misplaced their thoughts” after one other assault on the sport. Picture: Matt King/Getty Photos
McLennan was the important thing driver in luring Suaalii again to the XV-person recreation and has constructed a relationship with the NRL’s highest profile participant underneath 20.
In the course of the assembly, they spoke about an array of issues, together with the place he was most excited to play.
“I stated Murrayfield and ‘Waughie’ stated the Stade de France but additionally added Twickenham,” McLennan stated.
The Roar has been advised of a number of NRL stars reaching out to Rugby Australia since Suaalii’s bombshell determination to leap ship.
Whereas some rugby gamers have raised eyebrows by Suaalii’s large deal, the overwhelming majority consider he may have a optimistic influence on Australian rugby. Others assist it but additionally say RA will consequently really feel it on the pocket because of this.
At the least three Wallabies backs, one off contract this yr, have advised RA officers they must up their worth on account of Suaalii’s large deal.
Nonetheless, an increasing number of NRL gamers are beginning to think about switching codes and have begun selecting up the cellphone to RA.
On Wednesday, Brisbane Broncos star Haas turned the newest.
Hass, 23, is the Broncos’ highest paid participant and is arguably the sport’s most influential prop.
RA held talks with Haas in 2021, with then-Director of Rugby Scott Johnson assembly with the ahead, who performed rugby union as a youngster earlier than shifting his priorities to league.
Broncos star Payne Haas is the newest NRL star to be eager about rugby union. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Photos
Nothing progressed, however it’s understood the ahead is retaining his choices open when he comes off contract on the finish of 2024 – the identical date Suaalii will be a part of RA.
It’s understood RA gained’t transfer heaven and earth to signal Haas, however McLennan confirmed the governing physique was within the NSW State of Origin ahead and, certainly, anybody who was game-breaker and wished to play for the Wallabies.
“Payne may positively be carrying Wallaby gold,” McLennan advised Information Corp.
“We actually like Payne. He has a powerful rugby pedigree and it’s in all probability time for him to unfold his wings and do one thing actually particular.
“The Broncos are nice — however enjoying for the Wallabies towards the British Lions can be even higher.
“By enjoying rugby, Payne can see the world.”
A 118kg beast, Haas is in-built the identical vein as England back-rower Billy Vunipola, who performed a key function for Jones in the course of the Australia’s seven-year reign with the Rugby Soccer Union.
Former Origin and Kangaroos ahead Corey Parker stated he may perceive why rugby can be eager about securing him.
“He’s a particular expertise and he can be an asset for the Wallabies,” Parker advised Information Corp.
“Payne isn’t your regular rugby league athlete.
“He’s such a gifted ahead and for his measurement and pace, he’s remarkably match and I’ve little doubt he would achieve success in rugby.
“I don’t know what place he performs as a result of I don’t know the sport properly sufficient, however he would definitely have the expertise to make it in rugby.
“Apparently he has a rugby union background and I’m certain Payne shall be placing lots of thought into his future.”
