Footy star Joseph Suaalii unveils his new name after being made Samoan chief aged just 19

Good judges in rugby league believe Joseph Suaalii will be the code’s next superstar – and at just 19 he was also made Samoan chief.

The Sydney Roosters flyer, who made his NRL debut in 2021 as a 17-year-old, recently spent some time in the Pacific Nation, where he is already a living legend.

Following his exploits at the World Cup in the UK – where Samoa reached the final – Suaalii returned to the island villages of Letogo and Satitoa.

To say he was bullied is an understatement.

During the Christmas holidays, Suaalii was awarded the prestigious title of Matai by the two communities where his grandparents hail from.

Rising NRL star Joseph Suaalii was recently made Samoan chief after returning to the island villages of Letogo and Satitoa

The prestigious honor came after Suaalii lit excelled in the NRL and for Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup in Britain (pictured).

The honor came with a new name, which the teenager has shortened ‘Anavaotaua Iosefa Aukuso Suaalii.’

‘You are normally called by one of your village names in Samoa, but I would prefer to represent the people of both my grandparents because of the honor they have bestowed on me,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“So I combined the two and every time I return to Samoa they will greet me by my main name.”

While in Samoa, Suaalii was informed by the Satitoa elders that he is now a revered community figure due to his exploits in rugby league.

The teen star is determined to stay humble – and recognizes he’s a role model for many youngsters.

The Roosters star was bullied when he arrived in the tiny Pacific island nation

The Sydney Roosters flyer, who made his NRL debut in 2021 as a 17-year-old, was deeply impressed by the recent honor in Samoa

Next on his list, he leaves a legacy.

Suaalii described the love he received in Samoa as “overwhelming but surreal”.

Raised in western Sydney, Suaalii was a natural in many sports including league, union and athletics.

After attending King’s School, Suaalii eventually chose the League as his path, biting his teeth with the Rabbitohs before defecting to their arch-rivals, the Roosters.

His aerial skills and ability to find the try line are sure to have ARU securing his services long term – but for now, Suaalii is looking forward to learning every day at NRL level and alongside the likes of James Tedesco, Brandon Smith and Joey Manu to train.