Former New Zealand rugby league International Tony Kemp believes the next Sonny Bill Williams is set to take the NRL by storm in season 2022.
Kemp, who coached the Warriors in 2004 and 2005, has tipped Sydney Roosters youngster Joseph Suaalii to have a breakout campaign this year.
Suaalii has long been billed as a future star of the competition, and Kemp believes he’ll blossom into that player in 2022.
“As far as a player of the future, I think this kid (Suaalii) has Sonny Bill (Williams) written all over him,” Kemp said on SENZ.
“105 kilos and 18 years old. He can play back row, centre and will probably start on the wing.”
Suaalii was scouted early as a teenager by Rugby Australia and a host of NRL teams who were all eager to sign the then schoolboy to a lucrative contract.
Eventually, the Roosters won the race to sign the potential superstar who debuted as a 17-year-old in Round 11 of the 2021 season, playing all 80 minutes in his first appearance.
A foot injury would later cut his season short, but Kemp is certain that Suaalii is priming himself for a significant 2022.
“He’ll work his way back into the centres with Joseph Manu,” Kemp added.
“That’s the kid everyone has got their eyes on.”
Suaalii played five NRL games for the Roosters in 2021, appearing in both the centres and on a wing.