NRL club in cross-code battle for ex Storm star

March 17, 2022 Sports 1 Views

By Ben Dobbin and Michael Atkinson

Wayne Bennett is keeping a keen eye on former Storm premiership-winner turned Queensland Reds flyer, Suliasi Vunivalu.

The Fijian powerhouse has had a difficult time in rugby since switching codes at the beginning of the 2021 Super Rugby season.

Vunivalu missed the opening game of 2021 due to suspension, relating to assault charges which were later dropped, and has only managed seven games in 14 months, largely due to multiple hamstring injuries.

READ MORE: Joey’s contract ultimatum for Jack Bird

READ MORE: AFL coach launches extraordinary attack on journalist

READ MORE: Skipper’s heroics inspire Pakistan to epic draw

The 27-year-old is off contract with the Reds and Rugby Australia this year and is believed to be chasing a return to the NRL. The Dolphins are well placed to secure his services, with a war chest of cash to spend.

Suliasi Vunivalu for the Queensland Reds against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium last year. (Getty)

If Vunivalu was to head to Redcliffe, he would become the fourth member of the Storm’s 2020 premiership team to join the NRL’s newest franchise, joining Felise Kaufusi, as well as Kiwi brothers, Jesse and Kenny Bromwich.

Despite his injury frustrations and lack of game time, Rugby Australia and Queensland Rugby bosses are eager to retain the services of the marquee signing. In his limited appearances, Vunivalu has shown his impressive skills, scoring five tries in seven games and proving he can be a point of difference in the 15-man game.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is a big fan and has included Vunivalu in two national squads, but injuries have ruined any chance of Vunivalu earning national selection.

Watch every game of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, streaming ad free, live and on demand only on Stan Sport. Sign up for your free seven day trial!

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie. (Getty)

The next move for rugby officials in the contract extension discussions is being put on ice until Vunivalu can get back on the field.

If he can put his injuries behind him and play regular games, both Rugby Australia and the Reds will be eager to keep him around and not let the investment go to waste.

For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!

Australian rugby greats share classic stories and relive major controversies on Stan Sport’s Glory Days series