Dolphins target coy over next move but big decision is imminent
Suliasi Vunivalu says he will wait until he returns from injury before making a decision on his next move following reports linking him with a return to the NRL with the Dolphins.
The former Melbourne Storm star is currently on the books of the Queensland Reds. The 26-year-old switched codes and penned a two-year deal from the start of 2021. However the move has not gone to plan as the player has struggled with injuries.
Vunivalu has been dogged by injuries and has only managed seven appearances for the Reds. That is terrible bad luck and a far cry from the 111 appearances he made for the Storm.
The two-year deal he penned with the Reds will expire at the end of the season. Speculation has been hot linking him with a return to the NRL and it could be an option.
Dolphins watching developments
The Dolphins have a 30-man roster to fill for their inaugural campaign and Vunivalu fits the bill. He has proven himself in the NRL when scoring 86 tries. And if he can regain fitness would be a good addition for Wayne Bennett.
However for now Vunivalu says he is remaining fully focused on getting himself fit. Then a decision on his future will be made after that.
“I’d like to stay in rugby, but I’m not going to make any decision [on 2023] until I’m back on the field and have played three or four games,” Vunivalu told reporters this week.
Hamstring injuries have been the issue and Vunivalu has yet to play this season. However there does appear to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
Vunivalu set to return
He has stepped up his training and has been able to start running at full pace again. All being well he should return to action in a couple of weeks. The Reds clash against the Rebels on April 15 has been penciled in. Then it will be a case of getting some games in before deciding on his future.
“I had a lot of scans on the hamstring before the doctors gave me the thumbs up in January to run fast again. It’s exciting,” he added. “I never want to be talking about my hamstring again. Scoring tries, catching kicks, that’s my job.”
There is sure to be interest from a host of clubs should Vunivalu return to the NRL. However reports claim the Dolphins will be in the box seat to get it done.
