Trent Robinson blasts Rugby Australia boss’s lack of class over Joseph Suaalii remarks
Trent Robinson slams Rugby Australia boss’s lack of class as he admits union-linked star Joseph Suaalii needs to play better for the Roosters
- Trent Robinson has hit back at Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan
- The union leader has made comments about the Sydney Roosters
- Robinson claimed that McLennan showed a lack of “class” in his comments
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has hit back at Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan following the union leader’s inflammatory comments this week.
McLennan told the media that Rugby Australia could ‘easily’ afford to lure Roosters star Angus Crichton to the Wallabies, having already signed teammate Joseph Suaalii.
He also flirted with the idea of Robinson switching codes, saying he would welcome the three-time premiership winner with open arms if he wanted to join Eddie Jones’ coaching staff.
Nine News reported this week that the Roosters had inquired about releasing Suaallii to the Wallabies a year ahead of his 2025 deal, and McLennan claimed the NRL club may be struggling with the salary cap.
But Robinson has hit back, insisting the Tricolors will not release the young gun until his contract expires at the end of the 2024 season.
Trent Robinson (right) has hit back after Rugby Australia boss made comments about Sydney Roosters and star players Angus Crichton (left) and Joseph Suaalii
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has been accused by Robinson of lacking class
“These reports are not coming from inside this club,” Robinson said on Thursday. “That is beyond speculation. That has not even been a discussion within this club.
“It’s a bit of a blowtorch for all of us to say I need to coach him better and he needs to play a little better.”
The Roosters coach insisted he does not want to go back and forth with McLennan, whom he accused of lacking ‘class’.
He does that for certain reasons. I can imagine rugby people are not thrilled with the way that has been handled,” said Robinson.
‘Usually there is a bit more class in the discussion. I don’t really want to get into it. I have work to do here. Frankly, I have no interest in continuing the discussion.’
Responding to suggestions that he might switch to unionization, Robinson said, “I’m focused on what I’m doing here. That is creating more talk. I’m a rooster, this is my home.’
There is talk of Joseph Suaalii joining the Wallabies a year earlier