After losing Angus Crichton to their NRL arch-rivals, South Sydney claim to have snared two of the most promising rugby talents from the 15-man game.
The Rabbitohs on Tuesday confirmed the signings of teenagers Joseph Suaalii, until the end of the 2021 season, and Lachlan Ilias, for the next two campaigns, had both represented Australia in underage Rugby Sevens.
Their signings follow in the footsteps of Crichton, who played Australian Schoolboys in rugby before he signed with Souths as a 17-year-old in 2014.
He went on to play State of Origin for NSW last year after he committed himself to the Sydney Roosters for three seasons starting in 2019.
"We believe Joseph and Lachlan have long and fruitful NRL careers in front of them," Souths head of football Shane Richardson said.
"It's exciting to see young talent like Joseph and Lachlan in the red and green, showing the Rabbitohs are the club of choice for young talent in our game and ... other codes."
Ilias is an 18-year-old utility back who will join the Rabbitohs' under-20s from Balmain on a two-year deal.
Souths officials in particular lauded the signing of Suaalii, who they claimed was on track to represent the Wallabies before finishing high school had he not chosen rugby league.
The 15-year-old has already represented NSW Schoolboys and Australia's under-18s sevens, as well as having played for Souths in under-16s last year as an outside back.
"Joseph has the body shape and skill levels that extend well beyond his years," Richardson said.
"But most importantly, he has a desire to achieve everything he can in rugby league through hard work and persistence."
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