Joseph Suaalii Origin: Brad Fittler fast-tracks Sydney Roosters prodigy to emerging Blues squad
He isn’t old enough to play NRL, but Brad Fittler has rushed Joseph Suaalii into NSW’s emerging Origin squad. See the full list.
Roosters
Don't miss out on the headlines from Roosters. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NSW coach Brad Fittler knows more than most about the right time to blood young talent.
So it comes as no surprise that Fittler — the youngest player to ever make his State of Origin debut at 18 — has called the NRL’s much-hyped teen Joseph Suaalii into his Emerging Blues squad.
The Roosters rookie, still just 17 and not even old enough to play first grade, is on a fast track to the NRL and is one of 29 rising stars named to take part in Fittler’s camp in Sydney on Saturday.
Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
While Brisbane and Melbourne players were excused due to COVID restrictions, among the squad list are the state’s hottest young talent including Bradman Best, Campbell Graham, Liam Martin and Kyle Flanagan.
Suaalii is the only selection not to have played first grade, however the Roosters are poised to apply for an exemption to select the talented outside back prior to his 18th Birthday on August 1.
Not surprisingly, the Panthers’ rich nursery of talent will provide the most representatives from the one club.
Spencer Leniu and Moses Leota, who will be tasked with filling James Tamou’s boots, are part of Fittler’s plans as are wingers Brian To’o and Charlie Staines, utility Tyrone May and back-rower Liam Martin.
The Raiders will be represented by Hudson Young and Emre Guhler, while the Sharks boast the inclusion of Blayke Brailey, Toby Rudolf, Siosifa Talakai and Sione Katoa.
Newcastle’s boom centre Bradman best has also been included alongside Newcastle flyer Tex Hoy.
NSW Emerging Blues:
Bulldogs: Jake Averillo, Brandon Wakeham, Kyle Flanagan, Jack Hetherington
Knights: Bradman Best, Tex Hoy, Jacob Saifiti
Sharks: Blayke Brailey, Sione Katoa, Toby Rudolf, Siosifa Talakai
Roosters: Joseph Suaalli, Sam Verrills, Nat Butcher
Rabbitohs: Campbell Graham, Tevita Tatola
Raiders: Emre Guler, Hudson Young
Panthers: Spencer Leniu, Moses Leota, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Charlie Staines, Tyrone May
Sea Eagles: Josh Schuster, Moses Suli
Tigers: Tommy Talau, Shawn Blore, Stefano Utoikamanu