Wallace Sititi, the 22-year-old All Blacks sensation, has taken the rugby world by storm in 2024. Making his mark as a powerful blindside flanker, Sititi has impressed not only with his dynamic performances on the field but has also sparked interest from rival codes, notably the NRL.
Sititi’s rise has been meteoric. Initially considered a surprise selection by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who picked him over Super Rugby Pacific star Hoskins Sotutu, Sititi quickly silenced any doubts. During the 2024 Rugby Championship, Sititi showcased his immense talent, highlighted by his standout performance in the All Blacks' 33-13 Bledisloe Cup victory over Australia. His excellent footwork helped set up Sevu Reece's opening try, and Sititi led the game with a whopping 19 carries, proving his strength on both offense and defense.
Despite being young and relatively inexperienced at the Test level, Sititi's performances have been pivotal in helping New Zealand dominate their recent fixtures. His ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and play across various loose forward positions has made him invaluable to the All Blacks.
This meteoric rise has caught the attention of NRL clubs, eager to lure the versatile forward to rugby league. Robertson, aware of the buzz, humorously acknowledged the interest, noting that a "couple of leaguies" had made inquiries about Sititi, but emphasised that New Zealand Rugby had signed him long-term.
For now, Sititi remains an All Blacks standout, but his future is sure to be watched closely by both rugby union and rugby league fans. His mix of power, agility, and skill makes him one of the most exciting talents in world rugby, and his potential switch to the NRL, should it ever happen, would be a massive coup for the league.
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