Suaalii granted permission to play 1st grade

[King Salvo]

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.

The rule should be that they can't play NRL or sign an NRL contract until they are 18. Clubs can still sign such players to development or minor contracts but of course Rugby won't abide by this and that will the argument put forward. i.e If we don't sign them Rugby will

[King Salvo]

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.

Not sure that he will be forcing his way into the Roosters starting 17 in just a few weeks time though - Chooks have a couple of handy centre's and wingers already and the bench is full - 3 forwards and a second hooker will be most likely be the bench make up week in week out.

[milanja]

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.

And they are granting us salary cap relief probably too.

[King Salvo]

And they are granting us salary cap relief probably too.

I think they did but as far as signing or promoting anyone nothing has been said- currently 28 players signed so there are 2 spots available - 29th player had to named by March 1st and the 30th by June 30- not sure if they were given an extension for the 29th player?

At least 24 Top 30 players must be contracted by 1 November, 29 Top 30 players by 1 March and 30 Top 30 players by 30 June.

Not sure how accurate this is - But Brad Abbey is the only player from the train and trail list of players still listed - extended squad

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Templa..._Current_Squad

[JB_Cloey]

How many bears games does he need to play to be able represent them in finals footy?

[Easts75]

How many bears games does he need to play to be able represent them in finals footy?

Who cares

[Headless Chook]

I honestly believe that we went down this road as part of the process of signing him. He wanted to be able to play NRL before he turns 18. We have now ticked that box and he can play. He just needs to prove to us now that he is better then the players in front of him

[TheLoneRooster]

Not sure that he will be forcing his way into the Roosters starting 17 in just a few weeks time though - Chooks have a couple of handy centre's and wingers already and the bench is full - 3 forwards and a second hooker will be most likely be the bench make up week in week out.

I agree with you on this point KS. It was a stupid line to add to the source article. Another thing about the way the story is framed is how "the NRL tore up it's own rule book" whereas I was of the understanding that the rule had some wiggle room for adjudicating individuals on a case by case basis.

[Tommy Smith]

Great news; though there's no way he'll force one of the Morris bros out of our line up - and nor would he expect to do so - I'm sure he's just enjoying learning from them.

However as we know a long term injury to one of our outside backs, be it a few weeks or a few months, is likely inevitable at some point so he's almost certain to play at least half a dozen games.

I personally want to see him tower over Latrell to catch a bomb and score the GF match winning try on the buzzer. Then I'd probably die happy.

[TheLoneRooster]

... I personally want to see him tower over Latrell to catch a bomb and score the GF match winning try on the buzzer. Then I'd probably die happy.

Only probably Tommy? LMAO.

I don't think my ticker could handle such a situation.

[Henry P is a cheat]

It makes sense to get the exemption since Iku will probably be suspended for at least this week for the incident in the NSW Cup game yesterday. I assume that Suaalii takes his place as the reserve back just incase there's an injury somewhere. Doubt he plays, bit too early IMO.

[rented tracksuit]

I cant see us playing him in firsts any time soon. Too much has been invested in the young bloke to be silly with him.

For mine, the whole saga has been to ruffle the rest of the comps feathers. We are a club that wins with player welfare at the forefront and I don't see putting this kid at risk too early would be a priority of ours.

[The Lip]

Name the kid!!!!!

Hooker?

[Larry Long Balls]

There is no risk that the Roosters won't take care of this kid. That is why he signed with us and not the Souths scum. The fact that his family sought out the Roosters to help with his development speaks volumes.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

It makes sense to get the exemption since Iku will probably be suspended for at least this week for the incident in the NSW Cup game yesterday. I assume that Suaalii takes his place as the reserve back just incase there's an injury somewhere. Doubt he plays, bit too early IMO.

Don't think he would get the reserve back treatment this week, or at least I hope not.

Bears play the undercard so would miss out altogether.

Both he and Walker need to keep playing footy after missing last year.