Eddie Jones chases Cameron Murray after punching Joseph Suaalii

Eddie Jones has Cameron Murray in his sights after Roosters wing Joseph Suaalii spurned Rugby Australia’s interest in staying in the NRL.

Jones has made no secret of his admiration for the South Sydney captain and has expressed it in at least two media interviews last month. However, he will have to wait for his services as Murray is under contract until the end of 2025.

But a series of recent comments from the returned Wallabies manager also indicated that he would not waste time on players who have no genuine interest in rugby.

Now twice spurned – Jones’ predecessor Dave Rennie fought hard to recruit him out of school in 2020 – Rugby Australia remain interested, but only if Suaalii is serious about a move.

Suaalii’s gifts are undeniable, but Australia’s wing and full-back stocks are healthy, with young guns Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey and Corey Toole all suggesting they have big seasons ahead of them over the past two weeks have.

Jones needs more options closer to the ball. Murray fits the bill. The 25-year-old played his schoolboys rugby at the Inside Center for Newington College and is a player in the form Jones likes: defensive rock, a stratospheric workrate and a teamman.

The only problem? A deal that locks him up for the next three seasons and a personality that makes him a natural leader and a slim chance of leaving the Rabbitohs early.

That seems to put Murray out of reach for a move ahead of the 2025 British and Irish Lions series, but stranger things have happened. The Origin and Kangaroos representative has admitted he is considering rugby as a long-term option.