ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has confirmed that the NRL would consider allowing adolescent sensation Joseph Suaalii to make his first-class debut before the required age of 18.
It comes after it is announced that the Rabbitohs will secure Suaalii for good and conclude a multi-million dollar deal from Rugby Australia.
The 16-year-old had reportedly turned his back on South Sydney’s $ 1.7 million three-year deal for another $ 3 million three-year deal with Rugby Australia. However, it sparked a lot of backlash, and Rugby Australia has since contested the $ 3 million figure.
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The daily telegraph Reports Suaalii has since backed off and will officially sign with the Rabbitohs on Saturday on his 17th birthday.
South Sydney updated and extended the deal to $ 2.5 million for four years.
While Suaalii had already agreed to the terms with the Rabbitohs in June, his contract could only be registered when he was 17, so Rugby Australia had time to contact.
Although his contract can be registered after Saturday, according to the NRL rule, he could only make his debut in August 2021 after he turned 18.
However, when V’landys was asked if Suuaalii could make his debut before the age of 18, he said “absolutely”.
“We will look at everything that is beneficial for the game,” added V’landys.
“This is what the Commission is there for – to examine the benefits of the game, the promotion of the game and the results of the game.
“We should definitely consider its merits. We shouldn’t have blanket rules that keep you from doing things that benefit the game. “
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Desperate for Suaalii to sign, the Rabbitohs turned to owner Russell Crowe to woo the youngster and convince him to stay with the club he has been playing in the junior ranks for since he was 11.
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Crowe’s influence seems to have worked with him telegraph The Glenmore Park product announcement will be officially signed with the Rabbitohs on Saturday.
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At just 16 years old, Suaalii has represented NSW in rugby league, rugby union, AFL and basketball, and has been selected by Australian school boys and Australian rugby union teams under the age of 18.
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