Roosters powerbrokers are considering letting teen wunderkind Joseph Suaalii leave the club a year before his contract expires.
The 19-year-old has signed a deal to join Rugby Australia at the end of 2024, which is worth a whopping $1.6 million per season in the 15-man code.
But he remains contracted to the Tricolours until the end of next season, and the club has been public in its desire to keep him until then.
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But Nine’s Danny Weidler reports some disappointing on-field form from the team in recent weeks has Chooks heavies considering showing Suaalii the door a year early.
Weidler says the decision would save the Roosters $700,000 on the salary cap for next season, allowing them to go to market for one quality player.
Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan also recently told 9News they could afford Suaalii next year if he became available.
Suaalii is considered one of the most talent young players in the game, but has struggled to find form since announcing his rugby deal.
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His teammates, though, are not about to put the blame on the teen centre.
“I’ve had nothing (attention) on me and I haven’t been great either,” Victor Radley joked.
Roosters captain James Tedesco said Suaalii’s form was only a mirror of the wider team’s.
“We’re all not playing our best footy, I think that’s pretty clear,” he said.
The Chooks next player the Panthers on Friday.
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