Joseph Suaalii recently pulled an elaborate April Fool’s prank on NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar, claiming he was returning to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters. This prank occurred during a week filled with similar antics from various Australian athletes. For instance, Cameron Munster feigned an injury to prank the Melbourne Storm physio, while Brisbane Lions’ Cam Rayner held a mock press conference announcing a shift to rugby sevens. Meanwhile, the Penrith Panthers media team issued fake parking tickets to their players.
Suaalii’s prank unfolded with a mic’d-up setup, as he approached McKellar during training and said he had been negotiating a return to the Roosters. Initially, McKellar believed him, leading to a moment of disbelief where he exclaimed, “Are you serious?” Upon realizing it was a prank, McKellar reacted with relief and expletives, and the pair shared a laugh alongside Suaalii’s amused teammates.
This stunt was particularly poignant given Suaalii’s significant contract with Rugby Australia, reportedly worth up to $9 million. After a successful stint in the NRL with the Roosters and making his State of Origin debut, the 21-year-old switched to rugby union and debuted for the Wallabies in November. Despite struggling with a foot injury, he recently returned to the field for the Waratahs against the Hurricanes and is slated to move from the centres to fullback for an upcoming match against Moana Pasifika. Coach McKellar highlighted Suaalii’s ability to provide stability and counter-attack from the fullback position, emphasizing his readiness after a frustrating recovery period.
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