In the world of rugby, music, and ambition, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Joey Manu are making waves in their own ways. Suaalii, a young talent from the Waratahs, isn't just a rugby player. He’s part of a burgeoning rap group named Dreamyourz, alongside former Sydney Roosters teammates Joseph Manu, Spencer Leniu, Sitili Tupouniua, and Siua Wong. Their debut album, OFF-SZN, features the lively track "We Rock The Party," which has become a staple among their gym sessions, much to the chagrin of his teammates. "It's just a bit of fun but Joey, he's actually good," Suaalii says, showing enthusiasm for both his music and rugby journey.
Unfortunately, Suaalii's musical momentum has been somewhat dampened by a toe injury that will keep him sidelined for the upcoming Super Rugby clash against the ACT Brumbies on March 22, 2025. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about making a return for the match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on March 28, 2025. "Being able to go in the coaches box and see it from a coaching perspective, the game of rugby, it's great," Suaalii remarked, recognizing the silver lining of his injury. His first-hand look at the game from a different angle has been invaluable, and he is using this time to deepen his understanding of the sport.
Meanwhile, Joey Manu, who is currently playing rugby in Japan, has dashed rumors suggesting a return to the Sydney Roosters. It is clear that his ambitions lie elsewhere. In a candid interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, he said, "I'm sticking in rugby... I hope to play for the All Blacks. That's a dream and the World Cup would be nice." He has committed to remaining in rugby for the 2025 and 2026 seasons as he pursues his dream of wearing the All Blacks jersey.
For Manu, this dream is rooted in his childhood aspirations as a New Zealand native. He knows that to fulfill his goal of playing for New Zealand, he will need to return home and play Super Rugby. "Obviously what you have to do is play in New Zealand," he explained, adding that while he has his sights set on improving his game, the pressure to perform and secure a spot in the All Blacks squad is mounting.
Both Suaalii and Manu have built a strong off-field camaraderie through music and their shared rugby experiences, helping them bond outside the rigors of training and competition. Suaalii is not only a promising player but also a quick learner; he gained significant insights from rugby legend Dan Carter during his recent meeting at the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. "I started talking about rugby, and just picking his brain off the field to see what he does to prepare and how he can attack training and different things. He's a very knowledgeable guy and a very humble guy," he shared, reflecting on the importance of learning from seasoned professionals.
As the NSW Waratahs prepare for their match against the Brumbies, they face the daunting fact that the Brumbies have beaten them 13 times in a row. "Everyone's ready for this game. I think they've put out a social media video saying they've beaten us 13 times in a row. We see that," noted Suaalii. The Waratahs are eager to turn things around and show improvement after their first loss of the season.
While injury may have temporarily stalled Suaalii's on-field progress, his commitment to both rugby and music illustrates the profound bond formed in teamwork and creativity. He remains confident about his abilities and is determined to bounce back stronger. As for Manu, he is clear in his path forward—a journey toward an All Blacks career while immersing himself in Japanese rugby. "I'm not closing any doors, but just staying in rugby for now. I'll just be a fan for now," he said, indicating open potential beyond rugby league.
Their unique journeys highlight the importance of pursuing passions both on and off the field. As fans await the match this Saturday at Allianz Stadium, the excitement surrounding these two stars continues to rise. Will Suaalii recover in time to contribute to the Waratahs' effort against the Brumbies? Will Manu stay true to his All Blacks ambitions while navigating rugby's global terrain? Only time will tell as their intertwined paths continue to unfold in the rugby universe.
