Joseph Sualli

[Newtown]

Mark Levy: NRL got it wrong by bending the rules for Joseph Suaalii to debut early
By Mark Levy
2 hours ago

I'm stunned the ARL Commission is bending its own rules by granting a special exemption to Joseph Suaalii, who's now free to make his NRL debut before his 18th birthday.

The question needs to be asked: what's the point of having the rule in the first place?

We've all seen the impressive schoolboy highlights of the 17-year-old, who's run rings around his opponents, and the teenage sensation also scored a double for the North Sydney Bears in Sunday's NSW Cup clash against the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles.

Sualii is obviously a stunning talent with the world at his feet but why are we making exceptions for this kid?
Joseph Suaalii, playing for the North Sydney Bears. (Getty)

We often hear the term 'boys against men' and the league put in place the current rules to protect the health and safety of these youngsters who are pushing to play first grade.

Under the current NRL rules, Suaalii is unable to make his first grade debut for the Roosters until he turns 18, which isn't until August 1.

So, what's the rush? Can't we wait another five months?
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Billy Slater summed it up best on Wide World of Sports Radio on 2GB, declaring: "I don't think you can make rules for some and rules for others in this one.

"You can't make an exemption for one player here. Eighteen is what they think is safe, it doesn't matter how physically developed you are - I don't know how they would measure an exemption. Five months away, just wait.

"I don't even know why we can put an application for an exemption in. We shouldn't be able to do that, we shouldn't be able to ask the question."

Billy makes a great point, when you consider the NRL has an obligation to player safety.

Isn't there a responsibility to ensure these kids finish their schooling as well before worrying about a professional football career?

There is no doubt the Joseph Suaaliis of the world will make a comfortable living in rugby league or whatever sport they choose to play, but what happens when they hang up the boots?
Joseph Suaalii will be allowed to debut in the NRL before his 18th birthday. (Getty)

I honestly believe the ARL Commission has been spooked by the threat of losing the 17-year-old to rugby union and it's prompted some supporters to suggest on social media that 'the Roosters get their way yet again'.

North Queensland coach Todd Payten has been slammed for benching Jason Taumalolo in the heavy defeat to Penrith on the weekend because the new mentor wants to protect the enforcer's "health and longevity" in the game.

Ironically, Taumalolo was the last player to debut before his 18th birthday in 2010. If Payten is protecting the well-being of his champion lock, how will the same critics judge the ARL Commission's decision to allow Suaalii to make his debut at 17?

I've been very supportive of chairman Peter V'landys and some of the changes he's made to the National Rugby League, but when we start making rules for some and rules for others, that's when we enter dangerous territory.

I have no doubt the Roosters put forward a strong case and the league sought advice from Suaalii's high school principal and mentors, however, this decision is unjust and unfair.

The teenager still faces a battle to be selected in the Roosters' all-star backline and after watching their demolition of the Manly Sea Eagles, he might be waiting a bit longer.

Again, I don't begrudge anyone getting the opportunity to make their NRL debut.

I just think they need to follow the rules that are in place for a reason and wait their turn.

 

[dazza65]

Why is anyone surprised?

Uncle Nick gets what Uncle Nick wants.... simples

 

[Tcat]

This story speaks more about the NRL in general rather than the young kid being granted an exemption. In the NRL there are rules for some and rules for others with regards to many things e.g. high shots being let go for some and others nailed for it, failing a drug test after the GF and getting a slap on the wrist and the Souths drama that all of sudden just disappeared. The young kid can play because he's with the rorters, if it was us or another club that's not in the boys club asking for the same im pretty sure what I know the answer would be.

 

[tig_prmz]

A very bad look. The NRL isn't accountable to anyone.

 

[Aceshigh]

Does it mean we can select Tuilagi in top grade next week also or any other development player or is this just something for rorters?

 

[Geo]

Jordan Rankin says hold my beer..

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Uncle Nick is bumchums with the NRL and just gets what he wants. Roosters are way well looked after.

 

[Speed2burn]

SBW last year and now this. Yep roosters get no special treatment alright

 

[tonza]

This story speaks more about the NRL in general rather than the young kid being granted an exemption. In the NRL there are rules for some and rules for others with regards to many things e.g. high shots being let go for some and others nailed for it, failing a drug test after the GF and getting a slap on the wrist and the Souths drama that all of sudden just disappeared. The young kid can play because he's with the rorters, if it was us or another club that's not in the boys club asking for the same im pretty sure what I know the answer would be.

I wonder whether this was a selling point to entice him from Souths in the first place?

 

[hobbo1]

Did Sualli get a Bentley Continental GT ?
I hope he plays and Packer folds the kid in half “welcome to first grade “

But knowing us the kid will score a hatrick 😂

 

[hobbo1]

Jordan Rankin says hold my beer..

Rankin was a once in a lifetime special.

 

[rihannafan1]

Embarrassingly desperate. The game is not in such a state that they need to be doing this.
People are going to be talking about Suaali regardless.

The guy is clearly motivated by cash. When Euro rugby comes along he'll just jump to them anyway.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Does it mean we can select Tuilagi in top grade next week also or any other development player or is this just something for rorters?

isn't Sualli in the top 30 for the roosters though ? not on a development contract

 

[supercoach]

I am okay with the call as long as they are consistent. Although the word consistent and the NRL are normally poles apart. Call me cynical but I doubt a team like us would have got the same treatment. Seems we will never get away from the Greenberg days

 

[dazza65]

My problem is that as I was reading the story to see what criteria was used to make the decision.... I came up with the following:

1. Seems like a nice level headed young man
2. Stood around after the game and chatted with all the young fans - (probably his Kings school mates)
3. Fend off interest from Union.

Thats it.

I am fan of PVL's but this one..not so much.

 

[innsaneink]

Did he get a scholarship to Kings school.... Or has his parents paid full fees?

Got the world at his feet... Money, influence, talent, looks...

Be interesting to see how he goes in the top grade

 

[Tiger5150]

My problem is that as I was reading the story to see what criteria was used to make the decision.... I came up with the following:

1. Seems like a nice level headed young man
2. Stood around after the game and chatted with all the young fans - (probably his Kings school mates)
3. Fend off interest from Union.

Thats it.

I am fan of PVL's but this one..not so much.

You are missing one criteria, probably the most important one. He is an enormous human. There is zero question that right now he is suitable to compete physically compared to when he is 18.

As much as we all want to bash the Roosters and the NRL for Rooster bias, IF there was ever going to be an exception, it is this guy. He is undoubtedly physically up to it and mentally/emotionally 5 months will make zero difference.

It drives me crazy that they keep rolling out Jordan Rankin as an example of why the rule exists because he was the youngest ever and it clearly sent his career backwards. Suailli is twice the size of Rankin NOW, it is ridiculous to compare them.

You either have a blanket rule and no exceptions, but if the rule gives the capacity for exceptions, Suailli is the obvious exception.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Adam Ritson is the player whose career was destroyed by being introduced to early to first grade.

 

[dazza65]

My problem is that as I was reading the story to see what criteria was used to make the decision.... I came up with the following:

1. Seems like a nice level headed young man
2. Stood around after the game and chatted with all the young fans - (probably his Kings school mates)
3. Fend off interest from Union.

Thats it.

I am fan of PVL's but this one..not so much.


You are missing one criteria, probably the most important one. He is an enormous human. There is zero question that right now he is suitable to compete physically compared to when he is 18.

As much as we all want to bash the Roosters and the NRL for Rooster bias, IF there was ever going to be an exception, it is this guy. He is undoubtedly physically up to it and mentally/emotionally 5 months will make zero difference.

It drives me crazy that they keep rolling out Jordan Rankin as an example of why the rule exists because he was the youngest ever and it clearly sent his career backwards. Suailli is twice the size of Rankin NOW, it is ridiculous to compare them.

You either have a blanket rule and no exceptions, but if the rule gives the capacity for exceptions, Suailli is the obvious exception.

Its not my criteria - I was reciting a report from PVL

IMPO it was never about the kid - it's about the rules and the "exceptions" and how those "exceptions" are exercised - even "exceptions" have criteria to determine if they are "exceptions".... or in this case a random call by someone based on ......?

 

[innsaneink]

My problem is that as I was reading the story to see what criteria was used to make the decision.... I came up with the following:

1. Seems like a nice level headed young man
2. Stood around after the game and chatted with all the young fans - (probably his Kings school mates)
3. Fend off interest from Union.

Thats it.

I am fan of PVL's but this one..not so much.


You are missing one criteria, probably the most important one. He is an enormous human. There is zero question that right now he is suitable to compete physically compared to when he is 18.

As much as we all want to bash the Roosters and the NRL for Rooster bias, IF there was ever going to be an exception, it is this guy. He is undoubtedly physically up to it and mentally/emotionally 5 months will make zero difference.

It drives me crazy that they keep rolling out Jordan Rankin as an example of why the rule exists because he was the youngest ever and it clearly sent his career backwards. Suailli is twice the size of Rankin NOW, it is ridiculous to compare them.

You either have a blanket rule and no exceptions, but if the rule gives the capacity for exceptions, Suailli is the obvious exception.

My problem is that as I was reading the story to see what criteria was used to make the decision.... I came up with the following:

1. Seems like a nice level headed young man
2. Stood around after the game and chatted with all the young fans - (probably his Kings school mates)
3. Fend off interest from Union.

Thats it.

I am fan of PVL's but this one..not so much.


You are missing one criteria, probably the most important one. He is an enormous human. There is zero question that right now he is suitable to compete physically compared to when he is 18.

As much as we all want to bash the Roosters and the NRL for Rooster bias, IF there was ever going to be an exception, it is this guy. He is undoubtedly physically up to it and mentally/emotionally 5 months will make zero difference.

It drives me crazy that they keep rolling out Jordan Rankin as an example of why the rule exists because he was the youngest ever and it clearly sent his career backwards. Suailli is twice the size of Rankin NOW, it is ridiculous to compare them.

You either have a blanket rule and no exceptions, but if the rule gives the capacity for exceptions, Suailli is the obvious exception.

So how BIG is he?

Looks very lean to me