Manchester: Australian and Samoan gamers are agreed on one factor heading into their World Cup remaining — they’ve by no means seen a expertise fairly like Joseph Suaalii.
Suaalii was anticipated to make the Kangaroos’ World Cup squad however he shocked the rugby league world by defecting to Samoa on the eve of the event.
The 19-year-old Roosters winger is taken into account a generational expertise and has switched to fullback for Samoa with aplomb.
Watch each 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 cautious of Samoa | 02:28
The prodigy has been operating kicks again with a fearless vitality not seen from a youngster 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 all through the event.
Now his Roosters teammate Angus Crichton, who will begin for Australia on Sunday AEDT, has revealed the teenager turns right into a “savage” on recreation 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 stated.
“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 include the younger gun.
“He’s been great, he’s had a great year for the roosters and his tournament has been outstanding,” he stated.
‘The greatest smooth c*** I’ve ever seen’ | 01:51
Get all the most recent NRL news, highlights and evaluation 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 within the NRL however Suaalii has saved him within 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 stated.
“I’m just so excited he’s on our team.”
Samoa hooker Chanel Harris-Tevita stated he was merely 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 stated.
“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 famous person Joey Manu, who gained the Golden Boot this week, stated the perfect is but to return 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 stated.
“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.”