Former Melbourne Storm player Suliasi Vunivalu is reportedly considering a return to the NRL after being left out of the Wallabies squad. Vunivalu made the switch from rugby league to rugby union in 2020 but is now exploring options to come back to the 13-man code.
The 28-year-old Fijian had a successful career in the NRL, playing a key role in the Storm’s premiership wins in 2017 and 2020. He left the NRL to join the Queensland Reds and represent the Wallabies but has recently been overlooked for national team selection.
Despite being under contract with the Reds and Rugby Australia until 2025, Vunivalu is receiving interest from NRL clubs, with the St George Illawarra Dragons rumored to be one of the potential suitors. Negotiations for an early release from his rugby union contract could be complicated, but Vunivalu’s experience in both codes makes a return to the NRL a viable option.
Vunivalu’s impressive NRL career saw him win multiple awards and accolades, including being the Dally M Top Try Scorer in 2016 and 2017. His potential return to the NRL has been a topic of discussion since his departure from the Storm, with teams like The Dolphins and South Sydney Rabbitohs previously expressing interest in signing him.
Born in Fiji, Vunivalu was recruited by the Storm as a teenager and quickly made a name for himself in the league. His successful debut season in 2016 set the stage for a stellar NRL career, which included winning premierships and individual accolades.
As Vunivalu contemplates his future in rugby, fans and NRL clubs alike will be watching closely to see if the talented winger decides to make a comeback to the league where he first made a name for himself.
