Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week in sport

NSW Blues jerseys should be kept for players committed to the cause. It’s why Michael Maguire can’t select Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Buzz’s highlights and lowlights.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is in the frame for a Blues jersey. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Michael Maguire cannot be serious about picking Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the NSW State of Origin side.

The Roosters star is bailing out on the NRL at the end of the season to play rugby.

He has made his choice. Blues jerseys should be kept for players committed to the cause.

It’s not as if ‘Madge’ is short on wing options. There’s Brian To’o, Josh Addo-Carr, Zac Lomax and Daniel Tupou.

And what about Penrith’s Fijian winger Sunia Turuva, who was born and raised in Sydney’s west.

This guy can find the tryline and wouldn’t be out of place at Origin level.

BENJI’S JAPAN BAN

In 2009, Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall tried to have a stint in Japanese rugby.

The plan was for the Tigers to release him from his contract over the summer months and then he would return, sign a new league contract and play in the NRL about six weeks into the competition.

Then NRL boss David Gallop stopped it from happening and said: “It would be like working for Coke and Pepsi at the same time.”

We’re raising this story today in light of reports that Joey Manu will return to the Sydney Roosters next year in round 12 when the Japanese rugby competition finishes.

It’s a little bit different from Benji’s case. He wanted to go mid-contract, while Manu’s deal at the Roosters is up this year.

Surely there is nothing to stop him playing both codes.

Manu is a superstar. If the Roosters want to risk him ­getting injured or fatigued from playing non-stop for 12 months, that’s their choice.

Joey Manu is off to Japanese rugby. Picture: NRL Photos

HIGHLIGHT

Another spectacular performance from superstar Broncos fullback Reece Walsh on the same weekend James Tedesco struggled for the Roosters. Mal Meninga inexplicably left Walsh and Kalyn Ponga out of the Kangaroos squad side last year that was beaten 30-0 by the Kiwis. Sadly Tedesco’s time in the green and gold is up. Walsh has to be chosen for the end-of-season Tests.

LOWLIGHT

One word describes the Parramatta’s Top End performance against the Dolphins – pathetic. That they were beaten 40-8 in the second half against a Dolphins side minus Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Flegler, Felise Kaufusi and Herbie Farnworth is completely unacceptable.

Coach Brad Arthur is under serious pressure. Picture: NRL Photos

HIGHLIGHT

Raiders rookie Chevy Stewart had a tough night against the Broncos in slippery conditions. One thing you can guarantee … it will be a great learning experience for the exciting 18-year-old fullback. I love how he stayed in the game and tried his heart out.

SPOTTED

Manly Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov hosted club legends Graham ‘Wombat’ Eadie and Ken Arthurson for lunch on the Gold Coast on Saturday and then at the game against the Titans.

Ken Arthurson, Graham Eadie and Tony Mestrov on the Gold Coast. Credit: Supplied.

SPOTTED

Most centres these days will regularly run 100-plus metres in games. Against Melbourne, Michael Jennings ran just 34 metres. The sexual assault case aside, I’m still not sure why he is playing first grade at the Roosters at 35 years of age after a four-year absence.

BRILLIANT BILLY

There’s always a danger around nepotism when a father coaches his son at NRL level – unless you are Ivan and Nathan Cleary. At the Broncos, Billy Walters has been absolutely outstanding this year under his dad Kevin. The 30-year-old hooker has more than held his own against the best in the business.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week in sport