South Sydney winger Jaxson Paulo is set to become the latest player to cross the divide and play for both sides of the NRL’s oldest rivalry as he joins the Roosters for 2023.
Sources have confirmed to Wide World of Sports that Paulo was not offered a deal by the Rabbitohs for 2023, and that the Roosters have snapped him up.
It caps off a tumultuous week for the winger, who received death threats following the team’s loss to Penrith, prompting calls from teammates, coach Jason Demetriou and club CEO Blake Solly for social media websites – and the police – to take action.
READ MORE: Kyrgios handed cruel US Open draw
READ MORE: Kev unloads after ‘broken’ Broncos’ train wreck
READ MORE: Bewildered Andrew Johns rips Ben Hunt’s rare contract wish
He was left off the team sheet for this week’s clash with the Cowboys, and has been replaced on the wing by Izaac Thompson.
Paulo, 22, came into first grade during the COVID-affected 2020 season and remained in the team during their run to a preliminary final loss.
He’s largely remained on the right wing of that fearsome backline ever since, aside from when he missed time early last year after he fractured his scaphoid.
He returned to the team and featured in the grand final loss to Penrith, scoring twice in their preliminary final victory over Manly, including his now-famous ‘moonwalk’ try.
Paulo moonwalks in to score for South Sydney
But despite racking up 42 games over the past three seasons, he had begun to fall out of favour in recent weeks, with journeyman Thompson impressing in his limited appearances.
Now the 25-year-old looks to have gazumped that right wing position from Paulo as the Rabbitohs head towards the biggest time of the year.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now
While many are writing this off as a depth signing for the Roosters, there’s a path for Paulo to slot right in if he has an impressive pre-season next year.
Assuming the Roosters continue with their plans to move young gun Joseph Suaalii into the centres, a wing spot could be available on the opposite flank to Daniel Tupou.
If he plays first grade next year, he’ll join up with fellow ex-Rabbitohs Angus Crichton and Luke Keary, while he leaves behind Latrell Mitchell and Daniel Suluka-Fifita, who each made their first grade debuts in the tricolours.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Uniform controversies that have rocked sport around the world
