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Joseph Suaalii could be playing in the NRL as soon as this week after the NRL granted the Roosters special dispensation to play the 17-year-old in their first grade side.
Michael Chammas of The Sydney Morning Herald reported earlier this afternoon that the ARL Commission had granted the club’s request to make him eligible earlier this morning despite rumblings of discontent amongst rival club officials.
Normally, players must turn 18 before they are eligible to play in the NRL – Suaalii turns 18 in August. Peter V’landys, the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, previously hinted that an exemption would be made if it would stop Suaalii going back to rugby union.
There is no guarantee Suaalii will join the ladder leaders’ backline just yet, especially after they fired on all cylinders in a 46-4 demolition of Manly on the weekend, but the Roosters are thought to have been seeking permission early to cover the expected absence of at least James Tedesco during State of Origin, as well as any early injuries.
Should be make his debut before turning 18, he’ll be the first NRL player to do so since Jason Taumalolo in 2010. He scored two tries in his NSW Cup debut for the North Sydney Bears on the weekend.
The Penrith-born utility back has been one of the most highly-touted youngsters in recent memory, attracting heavy interest from not only arch rivals in the Roosters and Rabbitohs, but also rugby union in recent years. Souths initially poached him from union in early 2019, but crossed to the Roosters in December ahead of his predicted debut season.
Despite currently studying in Year 12, he told AAP in an interview earlier this month that he believed he was ready to make his debut.
The NRL released a statement confirming the news, claiming the commission factored in the results of “independent medical and psychological assessments” and a “welfare and education management plan provided by the Sydney Roosters” in consultation with Suaalii’s father and Roosters coach Trent Robinson. As part of the agreement, the Roosters must ensure Suaalii completes high school and create plans for wellbeing and mentoring as well as gambling and alcohol management.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the process had been “rigorous”.
“Our decision is based on the independent advice of experts and information gathered from discussing Joseph’s school performance and discussions with the club and Joseph’s family.
“Given Joseph turns 18 in just four months time, the conservative approach the Roosters are taking in managing Joseph’s career, and the comprehensive education and wellbeing plans that are being implemented, the Commission decided to grant the club permission for Joseph’s contract to be registered prior to him turning 18.
“We will continue to work closely with the Roosters to ensure the club complies with the plans and programs that have been put in place,” he said.
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