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.

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.

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NSW Origin star-in-waiting Joseph Suaalii. Picture: Roosters Digital

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.

The Tigers’ Tommy Talau has a big future. Picture: Phil Hillyard

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

Originally published as Joseph Suaalii Origin: Brad Fittler fast-tracks Sydney Roosters prodigy to emerging Blues squad