Fittler reveals Suaalii plan after Latrell plea

Fittler confirmed that if Suaalii is “available he’ll be considered” for selection but Johns said there are other players in form who may get in his way.

Gus, Robbo feud erupts over Suaalii

The former Newcastle captain also disagreed with Gould’s claim that Suaalii should immediately be shown the door.

“I don’t agree with Gus that he should go now. He’s signed, we know he’s signed I just hope we stop talking about it,” Johns said.

“As commentators I don’t want to hear when he scores, ‘He’s going to be missed in 2025 when he goes to rugby.’

“There’s (Josh) Addo-Carr, (Brian) To’o. He’s in with them. If his form warrants it Freddy will pick him.”

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Fittler added: “What we should do is not talk about it. That’s what Gus is talking about. Let’s let him play his footy. If he’s available he’ll be considered.”

Fittler’s confirmation that Suaalii will be considered for the NSW team followed strong comments from Latrell Mitchell, who said the Roosters star’s decision to play the 15-man game should not exclude him from State of Origin.

Mitchell said spending time in NSW camp last year should play in Suaalii’s favour and his future plans should not count against him.

“I don’t think you say because he has made a decision on his future that you go and tarnish him and say he can’t play our game. If he is doing his job, put him in,” Mitchell said.

“I would 100 per cent love to have him outside me. He is going to be something [special] and he has to be proud of himself and what he is achieving.

“Regardless of what anyone is saying, backing yourself is the biggest thing I have always done and he is doing that now. We’ll see another Sonny Bill Williams.”

NRL legends fed up with Suaalii media storm: Freddy & The Eighth – Ep 06

Suaalii left the Rabbitohs as a junior to sign with the Roosters, who successfully applied for an exemption for him to play in the NRL before he turned 18.

With the next phase of his career to be played out in rugby union, Suaalii’s defection has become the biggest discussion point in both codes.

This week Gould and other commentators have strongly criticised his move to the 15-man code, with the Bulldogs general manager calling for Suaalii to join rugby now.

“Every time he scores a try. Every time he does something in our game people are going to refer to the fact that he’s going to rugby,” Gould said on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“Why do we need that? Go now. Don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out. Go. Go now. Gone. He’s made his decision. You sign a contract for rugby 18 months before his league contract ends.

“You can’t sign with any other rugby league club in that time. He can only sign somewhere else.

“He’s made his decision. I have nothing against the kid. I’ve loved having him in the NRL. He’s a tremendous athlete and is great for the game. But he’s decided to be a rugby player. Bye bye. Off you go.”

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