15 September, 2016. 10:15
CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
The Queensland Reds have this morning announced the signing of 9-year-old Victorian rugby league sensation, Meaalofa Te’o, who became a viral sensation yesterday morning after a video of him playing in a Canberra exhibition match was shared online.
Te’o will join the Reds for the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby seasons, while also playing for the Doveton Steelers u10s in the off-season.
The contract will see the 9-year-old taking home close to $1.2m per season, with consideration given to the fact that he will have to forgo high school so that he can begin playing in the Super Rugby comp.
The Reds brash and extremely eager decision to sign the primary schooler is very reminiscent of the 2014 signing of Auckland schoolboy rugby sensation, Taniela Tupou. The 135kg Tongan-born rose to global fame when a rampaging hat-trick performance against a rival high school football team was covered by Sky Television, with clips of his tries going viral.
Speaking to the media today, Queensland Reds Captain James Slipper says 2017 will be an interesting year for the club.
“I mean, there’s going to be a 37-year-old and a 9-year-old in the same team,”
“It’s gonna be good, though. Tongan Thor might even get a start outside of the NRC. Throw Quade in the mix and we’ll have a side full of superstars,”
“Because as most people know… Your scrumming, defence and line-outs don’t mean anything unless you’ve got a descent cast of instagram stars,”
“All we need now is to get Digby back here!”
The Queensland Reds have already organised accomodation and flights for the child’s entire family to move to Brisbane by the end of the week. It is believed he will be deciding on an NRC team by Monday.
Insanity or a wind-up