Monday Buzz: Roosters to remove betting sponsor Unibet from Joseph Suaalii’s jersey

Despite bookmaking giant Unibet making a welcome decision regarding Joseph Suaalii, many now see gambling as a bigger issue in rugby league than recreational drugs.

Joseph Suaalii is closing in on a debut but won't wear the betting sponsor on his jersey.

The Sydney Roosters will remove corporate bookmaker Unibet from the back of Joseph Suaalii’s jersey when the 17-year-old sensation makes his NRL debut in coming weeks.

This has nothing to do with Suaalii’s religious beliefs, as was the case with the great Sonny Bill Williams when he made his comeback to the NRL last year.

It is more to do with having a 17-year-old promoting gambling.

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Suaalii’s training shirts and match-day jersey will have Gus Worland’s great mental health charity Gotcha4life on the back instead of Unibet until he turns 18.

The club and the bookmaking agency should be applauded for taking this responsible stance.

Despite a huge welfare investment, gambling is a huge problem among young NRL players.

Many say it is a bigger issue in rugby league than recreational drugs.

Joseph Suaalii won't wear the betting sponsor on his jersey.

There was a story doing the rounds last year about one big-name player who knocked off $70,000 in one day while in lockdown.

There have been issues at the Brisbane Broncos with players out late on the night before a game slapping the poker machines.

We know of another player, a State of Origin star, who has been in the game for 10 years. He has nothing to show from it as a result of a gambling addiction. Absolutely nothing.

A lot of players are well managed and invest their footy earnings wisely.

But the sad stories far outweigh the good ones.

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This is despite the NRL and the clubs having great education and welfare systems in place.

It’s a big issue because the game, the clubs and the TV broadcasters would not survive without the sponsorship and advertising dollars from the sports betting industry.

They pour in hundreds of millions of dollars every year into all major sport.

NRL young gun Joseph Suaalii at Roosters HQ. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Even the eight of the 16 NRL clubs without direct bookmaker sponsorship have links to poker machines through their licensed clubs. The Bulldogs also have Laundy Hotels.

The old line on television advertisements ‘Always remember, gamble responsibly’ is not enough.

Roosters commercial and sponsorship boss Jarrod Johnstone says Unibet got on board as soon as the issue was raised.

This is a big sacrifice considering the media exposure that will be around Suaalii’s first game.

“It’s a tough space out there for all sponsors and we try to look after ours as best we can,” Johnstone said. “Unibet could not have been more accommodating. They understand and are really pleased to have the great charity Gotcha4life on the jersey until Joseph turns 18.”

Gambling is worth at least $50 million in revenue for NRL, aside from poker machines.

Every wagering operator pays a fee or percentage of turnover to the NRL.

Joseph Suaalii of the Roosters looks on during the round two NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Sydney Roosters at Campbelltown Sports Stadium (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

They are charged extra for finals and Origin because they are considered more valuable assets.

SportsBet is also paying a premium fee as the official betting partner.

At least the Roosters and Unibet are doing the right and responsible thing in the case of Suaalii.

THE CLUBS

Direct bookmaker sponsorship

Broncos: Ladbrokes

Sharks: PointsBet

Souths: Crown

Roosters: Unibet

Titans: Neds

Sea Eagles: Lottoland

Wests Tigers: Neds

Bulldogs Ladbrokes

Storm: Nothing

Panthers: Nothing

Cowboys: Nothing

Dragons: Nothing

Raiders: Nothing

Eels: Nothing

Warriors: Nothing

Knights: Nothing