Michael Clarke clashes with journo over ’selfish’ Roosters moment

Michael Clarke has butted heads with a veteran rugby league journalist in a heated radio exchange surrounding the Roosters’ massive problem.

James Tedesco and Joseph Suaalii

Veteran rugby league journalist Phil Rothfield and cricketing legend Michael Clarke have butted heads in a heated argument over a moment involving Roosters stars Joseph Suaalii and James Tedesco.

Rothfield broke the news last week that Suaalii had signed a one-year extension to remain with the Tricolours until the end of 2024.

It means the club faces a huge decision regarding their long-term fullback with Tedesco off contract at the same time.

In his Monday column, Rothfield pointed out a moment during the Tricolours’ win on Saturday afternoon when the 19-year-old broke through the Warriors’ defence.

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Suaalii opted against passing the ball to Tedesco on the inside and instead ran himself before offloading to Sam Walker who dived over to score the try.

While Rothfield stressed Suaalii was “not a selfish player”, he said the moment would only shine a spotlight on the fullback battle. He also likened the situation to that of the Rabbitohs with champion halfback Adam Reynold.

By the end of 2024, Tedesco will be 32 and Suaalii only 21, with both wanting to wear the No.1 jersey and the Kangaroos skipper reportedly already beginning discussions for an extension.

“I wrote about the Joseph Suaalii and James Tedesco situation today, they are both off-contract at the end of next year,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

“There was a big incident in that game on Saturday, when Suaalii made the break down the left side off Luke Keary, he had Tedesco unmarked inside him and didn’t pass to him.

“That just gets tongues wagging moments like that.”

“Hang on, you think Suaalii didn’t pass to Tedesco, hang on a second, because they both want the fullback position, so they aren’t happy with each other?,” Clarke replied.

James Tedesco and Joseph Suaalii

“Have you read my column? Did you watch the game?” Rothfield asked.

“I watched parts of it, so please tell me what are you saying here?” Clarke said.

“You’re challenging me, so I will challenge you if you’ve actually read the column... well maybe you should because I clearly said in the column Clarkey that Joseph Suaalii is not a selfish player,” Rothfield said.

“I also said in the column, as great a player as he is, he is going to make a thousand mistakes over the next ten years.

“I just said that there was a perception when this happened that it could have been regarded as selfish, and it was coincidental with the debate over the two players wanting the jersey.”

Clarke hit back, saying he doesn’t believe both players don't “have a selfish bone in their body” but agreed both have ambitions to wear the No.1 jersey in the future.

“I don’t think they would do that at all, I don’t think that would ever be the case, I think you are spot on, they’d both love to play (fullback),” Clarke said.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii wants the fullback jersey. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“Tedesco is No.1 for NSW and Australia and this young kid will of course want to play fullback at some stage, but I don’t think either of those players would do that on a footy field.”

Rothfield also pointed to the departure of Reynolds from the Rabbitohs after the Redfern-based club weren’t willing to offer the lengthy extension the veteran halfback was seeking.

Reynolds eventually signed with the Broncos and the Roosters may have a similar call to make next season.

“I’d rather put it down to experience, but it was just the fact that this debate had been going on, Joseph wants to play fullback, he’s desperate to play fullback,” Rothfield said.

“What I wrote this morning, this might be the Roosters’ Adam Reynolds moment where Reynolds was basically, because of his age and salary cap pressure, and there were kids coming through.

“They very reluctantly wouldn’t give him an extension to what he was looking for, and I’m not saying this is going to happen with Tedesco... I don’t know if he is the best player in the game, but he is in the conversation.”

Originally published as Michael Clarke clashes with journo over ’selfish’ Roosters moment