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SMH reporting it is now confirmed that Suaalii can play 1st grade before he turns 18, adding depth to our backline options.
Haven’t seen an official statement from the NRL
Haven’t seen an official statement from the NRL
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Name the kid!!!!! -
No. Looks good but one thing he needs to work on is his defence in particular his reads.. contact wise he’s very good but with defending set plays and blocks needs improvement.Originally posted by nayfo View PostComment
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He was shrugged off a few tackles at yesterday’s gameComment
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Needs a full year at least in the Reggies and from yesterday's game has a lot to work on to be anywhere near NRL ready - ditto WalkerComment
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When he played against the older guys yesterday, he didn’t standout as much as he would have in schoolboys.
I would have preferred they just kept the rule in place, should be abolished completely now.
no doubt Robbo won’t rush him in.Comment
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Can he play second row?Born and bred in the eastern suburbs.Comment
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Yessssssss! Put him in at #6
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But seriously, it's good to have won the argument and to read and listen to other fans whinge away. I don't think Robbo has any thoughts of bringing him on any time soon. This was just an exercise in getting him permission to play.
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Personally I think he should wait to 18, now every kid will be trying to play at 17.
This rule were they allow young kids to play because they might go to union is crap, he is signed to us and isn't going anywhere.
We aren't struggling to field a team so let him wait.
So much for the doomsdays saying the NRL is against us, if they were he wouldn't of been exempted.
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I hope the plan is he has to play at least 12 games first in the Canterbury Cup then if he has been playing well & an injury comes along to one or two of the outside backs then ease him in. He's got to watch he doesnt get injured himself.Comment
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Here's the story from news.com.au ....
NRL makes stunning verdict on Joseph Suaalii to play immediately
The NRL has torn up its own rule book to make a special verdict on teen sensation Joseph Suaalii that clears him for take off.
Roosters teen freak Joseph Suaalii has been cleared to play by the NRL and is free to make his NRL debut as early as the Roosters’ Round 2 clash.
The 17-year-old was given the news on Monday that the NRL has torn up its own rule book to allow the special talent to make his senior debut before the age of 18.
Suaalii has already been likened to Greg Inglis, such is his size, speed and strength.
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The schoolboy rugby sensation — who last year officially chose league over a rich offer from Rugby Australia — impressed everyone while training with the Rabbitohs’ first grade squad last pre-season and it has long been a question of when, not if, he would graduate to the NRL.
He was the most sought-after talent in Australian sport last year before the Roosters wrestled him away from the Rabbitohs, despite having signed a contract with the Redfern club.
Joseph Suaalii has impressed for North Sydney.Source:Getty Images
NRL regulations stipulate a player must be 18 before making their first grade debut, but Suaalii has been treated as a special case by the NRL as a result of his generational talent.
It was reported Monday an exhaustive NRL investigation ruled the teenager was physically and mentally ready for the dramatic step up to play in the NRL, despite still committing to finishing his Year 12 schoolwork at The Kings School in western Sydney.
According to reports, The ARLC commission made the decision during a scheduled meeting on Monday.
Suaalii was spotted over the weekend speaking with ARLC chairman Peter V’landys.
The decision means Suaalii is able to play in the NRl this weekend when the Roosters face the Tigers on Sunday.
He has been playing at centre for the Roosters’ reserve-grade side, North Sydney Bears, in the NSW Cup.
He is expected to force his way into the Roosters starting 17 in just a few weeks’ time.
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