'Wrong decision': NRL world divided over 'bonkers' Joseph Suaalii ruling
The NRL has made an exception for the Roosters' 17-year-old prodigious talent Joseph Suaalii and granted him permission to play this year.
The 17-year-old will now be able to make his NRL debut before his 18th birthday after the ARL accepted the Roosters' application after several months of debate surrounding the youngsters availability.
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The NRL introduced a rule that young stars couldn't make their debut before turning 18 in order to protect them.
Cowboys star Jason Jason Taumalolo was the last player to debut before legally being an adult in 2010.
However Peter V'landys declared last year he would assess the rule on a case-by-case basis amid hype around Suaalii's future at South Sydney last year.
While it is unsure where Suaalii will slot into the Roosters' all-star backline, he could be the next in-line if there is an injury.
Regardless, the decision from the NRL divided fans.
Many believed the rule was introduced for a reason and exceptions shouldn't be made.
How does Suaalii get an exemption but Bradman best (9 days older) didn't?
Consistency is important.— Braden (@Bradenjbrady) March 15, 2021
So many people are mad about Suaalii but I genuinely can't see him playing any time soon anyway? Not sure where he'd fit in the team at the moment unless Joey Manu switches to 5/8 for whatever reason.#EastsToWin
— Marty King (@mking1090) March 15, 2021
Honestly, while Suaalii looks to be a superstar in the making. I'm conflicted. What's the point of a rule if there's going to be exemptions for some and not others? https://t.co/X7YyQaQo30
— Jarrod Surname (@OrbitalGoat) March 15, 2021
NRL solidifying they lost their integrity and are only concerned about the big bucks. I hope Joseph Suaalii lives up to the hype BUT the moment this young man gets a big knock and has long term issues with concussions or injuries, the NRL and Roosters need to answer for it.
— kiki. (@nicolee_hanna) March 15, 2021
I’m absolutely loving the social media meltdown happening now that Suaalii has had his exemption approved by the NRL. It’s all a big conspiracy #EastsToWin #nrl pic.twitter.com/SEK6v84hpK
— The Rooster Trooper (@RoosterTrooper) March 15, 2021
Lmao any money Suaalii gets selected Round 3
— renday (@reneeburgess09) March 15, 2021
LOVE my Chooks, but this is the wrong decision. Too young is too young. @NRL need to protect Suaalii.
— Dr.Doom (@kingokingston) March 15, 2021
How goods making a rule and then backflipping on said rule because a good player came along 😂😂 bonkers. Any club can now argue that the league has set a precedence with Suaalii https://t.co/yvTD78xwbh
— Russ (@bigbuddy_rusty) March 15, 2021
Suaalii says he is ready for NRL debut
The 17-year-old centre scored a double in his NSW Cup debut on Sunday, backing up his two tries in his first trial against men last month.
It means the King's School year 12 student will juggle football with studies in 2021, after declaring a fortnight ago he thought he was ready.
"I'd be ready. As an athlete you kind of have to be, you want to be ready," he told AAP.
"I've got a lot of stuff that I need to work on before I get to that point.
"But if I do get a chance to make my debut, it would be a childhood dream to go and play for the Roosters and make my NRL debut."
with AAP
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