The Kangaroos star has lashed out at critics Joseph Sua’ali’i after the former Roosters star dazzled on his NRL debut.
Angus Crichton starred in the Kangaroos’ Pacific Cup final against Tonga on Sunday but used his pre-match warm-up time to take aim at Joseph Sua’ali’i’s detractors on Saturday night.
It comes after the cross-cord star dazzled during the Wallabies’ dramatic upset of England at Twickenham.
Joe Schmidt’s side pulled off a stunning comeback from the brink of defeat when Max Jorgensen scored in the 84th minute of the game.
Sua’ali’i received a lot of attention in the run-up to the Test, which was his professional rugby union debut and international debut.
Joseph Sua’ali’i dazzled for the Wallabies during Saturday’s dramatic win over England.
Footy commentator Andrew Voss has been critical of the former NRL star’s inclusion in Joe Schmidt’s squad.
This comes after he signed a $5 million deal to cross cords and play for the Waratahs earlier this year. Eddie Jones convinced the 21-year-old to join the BBQ party.
Since then he has impressed Schmidt with Samu Kerevi and Hunter Paisami both out injured, with the midfielder appointing him straight to play outside centre.
However, rugby league commentator Andrew Voss criticized the young star’s code-switching and appeared to argue that his selection undervalued the Wallabies jersey, noting Sua’ali’i’s lack of professional experience in rugby union.
‘The reward for all the hard work you’ve done is a pay check,’ Voss said.
‘The Australian jersey shouldn’t be a ‘steak knife set’. It’s just my opinion. And I would think the same about any sport. I’m not taking him down.
‘It’s just my belief in national representation.’
Before yesterday the 21-year-old outside back had only played rugby union at school. He will join the Sydney Roosters in 2021, returning 29 tries in 66 NRL appearances for the club.
But Crichton hit back at his former team-mate’s critics, telling them to ‘shut up’.
Sua’ali’i made his international and professional rugby union debut in yesterday’s match.
His former Roosters team-mate Angus Crichton was criticized for his inclusion in the X’s squad, with the Kangaroos star posting a hilarious meme hitting back at Voss.
Voss and Crichton laughed about a photo of a set of steak knives photoshopped next to Sua’ali’i.
He also posted a cheeky photo showing a photo of a set of steak knives photoshopped onto an image of Sua’ali’i playing for the Wallabies in Voss.
‘Congratulations to the Wallabies and my son ‘Jsu’ (Suaalii) for cutting through the noise and shutting down so many with a big win,’ said Crichton.
Crichton, who played for the Australian Schoolboys Union side, said: ‘Congratulations to the Wallabies and my son ‘Jsu’ (Suaalii) for cutting through the noise and shutting down so many with a big win.’
Voss seemed to take that in stride and commented under Crichton’s post, wishing him good luck in the Australian Pacific Cup final on Sunday afternoon.
He gave his opinion without any hesitation and said, ‘Haha… great photo Angus. My opinion on getting an Australian jersey in any sport remains unchanged. That doesn’t mean I’m right. Well done Wallabies. Good luck v Tonga ol chap… (You got your spot!!!!!)’
Crichton has not played for the Australian national team since 2022.
He replied to Voss: ‘Haha thanks mate’ with a handshake emoji.
Sua’ali’i has received praise from many teammates, fans and pundits since his blockbuster debut on Saturday.
Crichton also played a key role for the Kangaroos in their Pacific Cup win over Tonga on Sunday.
Wallabies coach Schmidt hailed the young star’s impact on the game and insisted it was a ‘confidence-building’ debut for the former NRL star.
“Joseph obviously returned a few kick-offs for us. He’s a big fan of aerial balls, but at the same time it was a good learning experience,” the Wallabies coach said, referring to the risks his team took when playing Suaali. . me.
‘The way they prepared themselves, especially during the week, was really professional. He was also supported (in the centre) by the outstanding Lenny Ikitau.
‘Maybe he’s still finding his place in the game. There are very different subtleties. ‘But with his diligent work ethic, professionalism and the athleticism he possesses, I thought this was a really confidence-boosting debut.’
