Ex-Rugby Australia boss urges governing body to sign another rugby league superstar to boost the game ahead of 2027 World Cup

Ex-Rugby Australia boss urges governing body to sign another rugby league superstar to boost the game ahead of 2027 World Cup

Prior to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, former Rugby Australia (RA) chairman Hamish McLennan has pleaded with the organization’s executives to sign iconic rugby league star Nathan Cleary.

McLennan is the one who pushed through Rugby Australia’s acquisition of Joseph Suaalii, a star player from the 13-a-side code, for an estimated AUS$5.35 million. The arrangement will see Suaalii compete in the world tournament in 2027.

Due to RA’s financial difficulties, the decision to bring in Suaalii was contentious; however, McLennan thinks that Suaalii’s return to rugby union has already improved the code and is evidence that the enormous financial deal that Clery would require would be worthwhile. Suaalii was a former Australian Schoolboys representative.‘Paid for himself over and over again’

McLennan told The Sydney Morning Herald, “Joseph has already paid for himself over and over again and driven massive interest in rugby union.”

Even before he pulls on a Wallaby uniform, he’s already a global rugby hero, and he will be a fantastic role model for aspiring young players.

“The Wallabies require top-tier investment to produce value in sponsorship, media rights, and audiences because to their decades-long underperformance.

Since 1999, we have not won a World Cup or a Bledisloe Cup, thus there is no longer any evidence that the current system needs to be reorganised and centralised.

Australia will host the Rugby World Cup in 2027, and according to McLennan, the Wallabies lack the superstars needed to promote the international showcase.

He declared, “I’d be taking a shot at people like Nathan Cleary and a few others.”

“There should be five more Josephs in the game since the World Cup of 2027 is quickly approaching and time is running out. Joseph is a blessing because that’s all everybody can speak about.

“Putting the future of Australian rugby on one man is a bit much.” Joseph Suaalii, a $5 million recruit for the Wallabies, has two specific aims set by Martin Offiah.

“Australia is No.10 in the world [rankings] and needs an injection of talent or there will be nothing left to sell.”

Cleary considered to be the best rugby league player in the world

Many people believe that Cleary is the best rugby league player in the world. He has excelled both at the club and national levels with the Kangaroos, who won the NRL Premiership from 2021 to 2024.

Suaalii, whose contract is reportedly the largest in Australia for any code, participated in a Wallabies training camp in Canberra last week, barely two weeks after playing for the Sydney Roosters in their NRL preliminary finals loss to the Melbourne Storm.The 21-year-old is scheduled to embark on a UK tour the following month, although it is yet unclear which Australian representative side he will play for.