Roosters emerge as shock contenders for Joseph Suaalii
The Sydney Roosters could get under the guard of arch-rivals South Sydney in the latest shock development in the future of Joseph Suaalii.
The teenage superstar was expected to turn down a lucrative approach from Rugby Australia – as well as the chance to represent Australia at Sevens rugby at the Olympics – in order to commit to South Sydney.
However, the Herald can reveal the Roosters have emerged as suitors after negotiations with the Rabbitohs stalled over the demand for get-out clauses in Suaalii’s contract.
The interest from the premiers is the latest twist in a soap opera that has gone on for six months, crossed two codes and even prompted a possible rugby league rule change.
Under the NRL rules, players are prohibited from making their first-grade debut until they are 18, meaning Suaalii wouldn’t be eligible until August 1 next year.
However, ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys has indicated the rule could be altered to ensure one of Australia's most exciting young footballers isn’t lost to the code.
That change could now potentially benefit the Roosters, who could add Suaalii to an already star-studded backline if they can offload a player to free up the salary cap space required.
Given James Tedesco is considered the best fullback in the game - he is the reigning Dally M medalist and is also the NSW and Australian custodian - Suaalii could expect to begin his first-grade career on the wing of coach Trent Robinson’s side.
Suaalii is contracted to South Sydney until the end of next year and would need a release in order to join a rival team next year.
Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.