Kangaroos star lashes out at Joseph Sua’ali’i critics after former Roosters star dazzles on NRL debut
Angus Crichton starred in the Kangaroo’s Pacific Cup final victory against Tonga on Sunday, but he took time out of his pre-match preparations to take aim at Joseph Sua’ali’i’s detractors on Saturday night.
It came after the cross-code star dazzled during the Wallabies dramatic upset against England at Twickenham.
Joe Schmidt‘s side produced a sensational comeback from the jaws of defeat, with Max Jorgensen scoring in the 84th minute of the match.
Sua’ali’i has attracted plenty of attention in the build-up to the Test, which was both his professional rugby union debut and international debut.
Joseph Sua’ali’i dazzled for the Wallabies during their dramatic win against England on Saturday
Footy commentator Andrew Voss has been critical over the former NRL star’s inclusion in Joe Schmidt’s squad
It came after he agreed a $5million deal to cross codes and play for the Waratahs earlier this year, with Eddie Jones having convinced the 21-year-old to come to union at a BBQ.
Since then, it appears he has impressed Schmidt, who drafted him straight into play outside centre, with Samu Kerevi and Hunter Paisami both injured.
But rugby league commentator Andrew Voss is one who has been critical of the young star’s code-switch and appeared to claim his selection belittled the Wallabies jersey noting Sua’ali’i’s lack of professional experience in rugby union.
‘The reward for the hard work up to now is the pay cheque,’ Voss said.
‘The Australian jersey shouldn’t be a ‘set of steak knives’ thrown in. Just my opinion. And would think the same of any sport. It isn’t knocking him down
‘Just my belief around national representation.’
Prior to yesterday, the 21-year-old outside back has only played rugby union at school. He would join up with the Sydney Roosters in 2021 and return 29 tries across 66 NRL appearances for the club.
Crichton, though, hit back at critics of his former team-mate, telling them to ‘shut up’.
Sua’ali’i made both his international and professional rugby union debut during yesterday’s match
His former Roosters team-mate Angus Crichton hit out at criticism over his inclusion in the squad on X, with the Kangaroos star posting a funny meme hitting back at Voss
Voss and Crichton shared a laugh about the picture that had a set of steak knives photoshoped next to Sua’ali’i
He also published a cheeky dig at Voss, appearing to photoshop a picture of a set of steak knives onto an image of Sua’ali’i playing for the Wallabies.
‘Congrats to the Wallabies and my boy ‘Jsu’ (Suaalii) for blocking out the noise, huge win, shut a lot of people up,’ Crichton said.
Crichton, who had played for the Australian Schoolboys union side, said: ‘Congrats to the Wallabies and my boy ‘Jsu’ (Suaalii) for blocking out the noise, huge win, shut a lot of people up.’
Voss appeared to take the jibe well and commented under Crichton’s post, wishing him good luck for Australia’s Pacific Cup final clash on Sunday afternoon.
While unrelenting in his view, he said: ‘Haha… Great photo Angus. My opinion [is] unchanged on earning an Australia jersey in any sport. Doesn’t mean I am right. Well done Wallabies. Good luck v Tonga ol chap… (you have earned your spot!!!!!)’
Crichton, who has not played for Australia since 2022.
He replied to Voss, writing: ‘Haha thanks mate’ with a shaking hands emoji.
Sua’ali’i has been earning the plaudits of many of his team-mates, fans and pundits following his blockbuster debut on Saturday.
Crichton was also in action for the Kangaroos on Sunday, playing an integral part of their Pacific Cup win against Tonga
Wallabies coach Schmidt hailed the young star for his impact on the game and claimed that it was a ‘confidence-building’ debut for the ex-NRL star.
‘Joseph obviously got a few kick-offs back for us – he’s an aerial freak – but at the same time, it was a good learning experience,’ said the Wallabies coach, referring to the risk his side took on playing Sua’ali’i.
‘Particularly the way he prepared during the week, he was really professional. He was also really well supported (in the centres) by Lenny Ikitau, who was outstanding.
‘He’s still probably finding his feet in the game – there are such subtleties that are very different – but with his diligent work ethic, that professionalism and the athleticism that he possesses, I thought it was a really confidence-boosting debut.’
