Joseph Suaalii’s defection to rugby union is still “causing a lot of consternation” at the Roosters, with the club unsure on whether to release him immediately according to reports.
Suaalii signed a blockbuster deal with Rugby Australia from October 2024 back in March, which prompted calls — most notably from league great Phil Gould — for the Roosters to punt him immediately.
The 19-year-old is still determined to see out his current deal with the Roosters, but all is not well at the club, according to Sydney Morning Herald reporter Andrew Webster.
LIVE COVERAGE: Tim Tszyu vs Carlos Ocampo fight night
READ MORE: Epic comeback behind Khawaja’s epic celebration
ASHES HIGHLIGHTS: England crushed by Broad’s no-ball blunder
“I think the win (over the Knights on Saturday) papered over some cracks,” he told Nine’s NRL Sunday Footy Show.
“Internally there’s some issues at that club. I spoke to quite a few people at the Roosters this week and I don’t think they’re a particularly happy club … there’s some deeper fundamental issues there that need to be dealt with.
“There’s issues with what they do with Suaalii, what’s going on with (Sam) Walker and his future, and all those little things that are happening individually, they don’t seem like the Roosters. There’s all these issues bubbling below the surface that need to be resolved.
“The club’s issue is not with (Suaalii), it’s with his management and how they went about business. I’m pretty sure his management were telling the Roosters that he was staying and a deal is about to be done right until the moment he wasn’t.”
Since making his move to rugby official in late March, Suaalii has scored just one try for the Roosters, but former Sharks captain Paul Gallen urged the club to back the youngster.
Robbo denies Roosters will release Suaalii
“I’ve got no problem with Suaalii,” he told the Sunday Footy Show.
“If he’s fitting in that team and doing his job and the team are playing well, there’s no reason to get rid of him.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
“What he’s done, he’s done the right way. He hasn’t gone in and asked for a release and tried to get out. He’s done it openly and told everyone what’s happening.
“If he’s playing good enough footy I don’t see why he can’t stay there. Whether they want him there or not, I don’t know.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The Mole’s round 15 Team of the Week: Maroons guns send ominous message
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
