The money and magic of Suaalii Inc
In a video uploaded to his Instagram from that day, the 21-year-old flashed more than $140,000 worth of goods in just one minute and 49 seconds. Though he's paid millions to play rugby, he likely kept the clothes for free.
He'd arrived at Debut Studios earlier that day wearing a $225 jumper – a bargain compared to the outfits he would change into. In one shot, Suaalii wears a $3,500 baby-blue mohair sweater paired with jeans worth $3,150 and sneakers that cost $845 for each shoe. On his wrist, a stainless-steel watch worth $35,000. In another, a rugby polo, only this one costs $2,620, described as taking a 'chic twist' on the sportswear.
In an ironic detail from that day, Debut Studios sits in Suite 61 on the sixth floor of the building. As Suaalii walks into frame, he looks out of an open window, offering a direct view of the Sydney Roosters club grounds he left last year for a deal with Rugby Australia worth $5.4 million. He turns back around, fixes his $2,000 shirt and faces the camera.
Although being a teen sporting prodigy and achieving early career success on the field has increased the commercial value of Suaalii's name, there's more that separates his brand's capacity for profit from his teammates.
Professor in sport management Adam Karg said what you look like, who you know, and how you behave are also significant in a brand choosing you to work with, especially one worth as much as Louis Vuitton's $51 billion brand.
'In order to be able to commercialise that brand, you do need, rightly or wrongly, a really strong set of eyeballs. Essentially, you need to be able to generate media interest,' Karg said.
'Now, that can come through physical appearance. It can come through, obviously, on the field, performance being a degree of that as well, and then really you need a brand to see something in you that connects with them and their audience.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


7NEWS
10 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Derek Hough, from Dancing With The Stars, expecting first child
Bindi Irwin's Dancing With The Stars partner has announced he is expecting his first child. Professional dancer Derek Hough, 40, announced earlier this week that his wife Hayley Erbert Hough was pregnant in a video on Instagram. 'We can't believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small,' the caption read. In another post showing the couple holding ultrasound pictures, Derek said: 'Already so loved'. Hough won Dancing With The Stars alongside celebrity partner Bindi Irwin in 2015. Irwin congratulated the pair on their exciting news. 'Congratulations!!!!! Hugs from our entire family,' she said. Following in his sister's footsteps, Robert Irwin announced in April that he would also be putting on his dancing shoes and joining the show. 'Bindi, thank you for inspiring me to take on this next adventure. Dancing With The Stars, I'm so grateful for the life-changing experience ahead,' he said at the time. Hough was on Dancing With The Stars from 2007 to 2016, winning the show six times with his partners. His sister is actor and dancer Julianne Hough, who also appeared on the TV show for five seasons.


Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
Baby joy for TV star as he prepares to welcome first child
TV star James Tobin has announced he and his wife Farrah are expecting their first child. The Sunrise presenter unveiled the happy news in a post on Instagram on Sunday, along with an ultrasound photo. 'We are excited for the arrival of Baby Tobin in November,' he wrote. Friends and fans flocked to the post to send their congratulations and well wishes to the couple. 'Massive news and congratulations! What wonderful and beautiful parents you will be!!!' Australian journalist Mark Beretta wrote. 'Fabulous news so thrilled for both of you. Sending tonnes of love,' former Sunrise presenter Samantha Armytage said. Tobin, 44, and Farrah married in an intimate ceremony at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory — a scenic two-hour drive from Canberra in rural NSW — in October last year. The pair have been dating since 2021. Tobin is currently a reporter on Sunrise and the weather presenter on Weekend Sunrise. The couple shared an ultrasound photo of baby Tobin. Credit: Instagram


7NEWS
15 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Baby joy for Sunrise star James Torbin as he prepares to welcome first child
TV star James Corbin has announced he and his wife Farrah are expecting their first child. The Sunrise presenter unveiled the happy news in a post on Instagram on Sunday, along with an ultrasound photo. 'We are excited for the arrival of Baby Tobin in November,' he wrote. Friends and fans flocked to the post to send their congratulations and well wishes to the couple. 'Massive news and congratulations! What wonderful and beautiful parents you will be!!!' Australian journalist Mark Beretta wrote. 'Fabulous news so thrilled for both of you. Sending tonnes of love,' former Sunrise presenter Samantha Armytage said. Tobin, 44, and Farrah married in an intimate ceremony at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory — a scenic two-hour drive from Canberra in rural NSW — in October last year. The pair have been dating since 2021. Tobin is currently a reporter on Sunrise and the weather presenter on Weekend Sunrise.