NRL 2023: Rugby boss questions Roosters salary cap amid Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii future rumours

The Roosters have emphatically denied they’ll give Joseph Aukuso Suaalii an early release - but the NRL’s latest rumour could be a smokescreen for something bigger.

Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Picture: NRL Photos

Rugby boss Hamish McLennan has questioned the Sydney Roosters’ salary cap amid reports the club wants to release under-performing star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to rugby union early.

“I think there’s more to this than meets the eye,” McLennan said.

“I’m wondering if there’s a salary cap issue at the Roosters?

“Rugby Australia won’t induce Joseph to break his contract but his agent can deal with that with a good lawyer in about 30 minutes.

“Joey’s treatment is nothing short of horrible.”

Australian Rugby Union chairman Hamish McLennan has questioned the Roosters’ salary cap. Picture: Tim Hunter

Meanwhile, Nine commentator Phil Gould urged the Roosters to sever ties with Suaalii after it emerged that the teenager’s future was in rugby union.

He described the latest news as a wake up call for Suaalii, whose form has been under the microscope in recent weeks.

“The reason I made my comments is as a code we didn’t need to be giving them a free kick – he made his decision to go to rugby, so go to rugby,” Gould told 100% Footy.

“It’s not anything against him as a player or person, the Roosters jumped up and down about it. I don’t care.

“I would say this is a little bit of a wake-up call for him – if this has leaked out to the media to be reported, it’s because they want him to be aware of it.”

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been linked with an early exit from the Roosters. Picture: Getty Images

Gould made the comments after it was revealed Roosters supremo Nick Politis had denied the club is planning to release underperforming superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii early to rugby union.

According to reports on Monday night, Roosters officials were considering an early exit for rugby’s new $5 million man after his recent struggles.

Politis fired back at the report on Nine News.

“For starters you can’t blame Joseph for the way the team is performing,” Politis said.

“We have no plans to release him at this stage. The final say on recruitment is always with Robbo anyway. (Trent Robinson.)

“He’s working very hard with all the players to turn things around for our next game.”

It is a difficult one to manage because Politis refuses to deal with Suaalii’s agent Isaac Moses.

Suaallii has been performing well below his price tag expectations.

He had a shocker against the Cowboys and could face a positional switch back to the wing for the blockbuster against the Penrith Panthers.

Roosters players are supporting Suaalii.

“I haven’t been good, either,” said Victor Radley,” We all haven’t been great. It’s just happened at the same time as that (Suaalii signing with RA).”

Skipper James Tedesco said: “We’re all not playing our best footy – I think that’s pretty clear. It’s not just one person.”

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Rugby Union boss Hamish McLennan has always said he’d take Suaalii early.

“We’d take him straight away,” he told 9. “We made a good profit this year.

“We’ll make $100m out of the Lions (tour) and another $100m out of the World Cup. Everything is heading in the right direction.

“So we could afford to take him now and we’d be delighted to take him earlier if league didn’t want him.”

Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves believes Suaalii will be a hit in rugby union when he eventually makes the switch — but insists he will return to rugby league one day.

“There is no ceiling,” Waerea-Hargreaves said.

“This kid is an absolute talent, an absolute freak, I’ve never seen a kid with his capabilities but have a head that is so switched on and so focused on what he will do.

“It’s such a blessing to be here and I’m excited for him and his future. He’ll be back.

“I’m excited for him to go on his little journey ... he’s an impressive young man.

“I’d love to see him come back. But I’m excited for him as well. I know he will do well.”