‘Really, really dangerous’ act shows boom NRL talent ‘has a problem’

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has been warned he must sit down with boom talent Joseph Suaalii before somebody gets seriously hurt

Joseph Suaalii leads with the knee.

Joseph Suaalii will soon learn his fate after being put on report in Samoa’s epic win over Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup.

The boom Roosters talent is potentially facing a ban after lifting his knees into the head of Samoan forward Felise Kaufusi while running the ball back in the hard-fought 20-18 victory over Tonga on Monday morning AEDT in Warrington, England.

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The act is causing concern in rugby league circles after Suaalii was earlier this year warned for leading with his knees when running the football.

Suaalii in August was sent a “concerning act” notice by the NRL’s Match Review Committee, but was not suspended.

Joseph Suaalii leads with the knee.

Now the same act could cost him a spot in Samoa’s semi-final against England.

“I would be surprised if anything came of that,” Samoan coach Matt Parish said of the incident.

Leading rugby league journalist Phil Rothfield said on Monday Roosters coach Trent Robinson needs to have a sit down chat with Suaalii about the way he runs at defenders.

“He has a little problem there. He has an awkward way he runs with his knees up,” The Daily Telegraph journalist said on Sky Sports Radio.

“He got a concerning act letter. He gave a penalty away which was really, really dangerous. He collected Kaufusi in the head with it. It’s not foul play, it’s just this running style that he’s got.

“I think Trent Robinson’s got to have a chat with him because someone’s going to get seriously injured if he’s allowed to keep going with it.”

Joseph Suaalii. Picture: NRL Photos.

Samoa could also be without captain Junior Paulo.

The Eels forward was put on report for an alleged forearm to the throat of Tongan star David Fifita. Paulo was asked if he was worried about the incident after the game, to which he said: “Not really, I was quite surprised with it and the penalty in general.”