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Soccer star Joseph Suaalii reveals his new name after being given the rare honor of being named Samoan boss at just 19 years old.
- Young NRL gunslinger Joseph Suaalii appointed Samoan boss over the Christmas break
- Suaalii, 19, receives the title of ‘matai’ from both communities of her grandparents
- Teenager already a revered figure in Samoa, but determined to stay humble
Good rugby league judges believe that Joseph Suaalii will be the next code superstar and, at just 19, he has also been appointed as Samoa boss.
The Sydney Roosters midfielder, who made his NRL debut aged 17 in 2021, recently spent time with the Pacific Nation, where he is already a living legend.
Following his World Cup exploits in the UK, where Samoa reached the final, Suaalii returned to the island towns of Letogo and Satitoa.
To say he was robbed is an understatement.
Suaalii received the prestigious title of ‘matai’ from the two communities her grandparents hail from during the Christmas holidays.
NRL rising star Joseph Suaalii was recently appointed Samoan boss after returning to the island towns of Letogo and Satitoa.
The prestigious honor came after Suaalii lit excelled in the NRL and for Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup in the UK (pictured)
The honor came with a new name, which the teenager has shortened to ‘Anavaotaua Iosefa Aukuso Suaalii.’
‘Usually in Samoa you will be called by the name of one of your villages, but I would prefer to represent my grandparents’ people because of the honors they have bestowed on me,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“So I combined the two and every time I come back to Samoa, they will greet me by my boss name.”
While in Samoa, Suaalii was informed by Satitoa elders that he is now a revered figure in the community due to his rugby league exploits.
The teen star is determined to stay humble and is well aware that she is a role model for many young people.
The Roosters star was stormed when it arrived in the small Pacific island nation.
The Sydney Roosters midfielder, who made his NRL debut aged 17 in 2021, was humbled by the recent honor in Samoa.
Next on your list is to leave a legacy.
Suaalii described the love she received in Samoa as “overwhelming, but surreal.”
Growing up in western Sydney, Suaalii was a natural at many sports including league, union and athletics.
After attending The King’s School, Suaalii eventually chose the league as his path, cutting his teeth on the Rabbitohs before defecting to arch-rivals the Roosters.
His aerial prowess and ability to find the test line have the ARU desperate to secure his services for the long term, but for now Suaalii is happy to learn every day at NRL level, training alongside the likes of James Tedesco, Brandon Smith and Joey Manu.