Why 'committed' Suaalii should still be considered for Origin: Robinson

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has ruled out the possibility of an early release for Joseph Suaalii and urged NSW to consider the Wallabies-bound star for Origin.

Describing the NRL as “the pinnacle of any rugby competition in the world”, Robinson said he was relaxed about Suaalii’s decision to sign with Rugby Australia from 2025.

“I feel like there has been a lot of back and forth between the two codes,” Robinson said. “Lots of players sign a year out; coaches go between rugby union and rugby league.

“It is okay to say as a rugby league guy that you like the game. I enjoy watching it. The European game is strong, but the fact is we have the best rugby competition - league or union - in the world.

“That’s what the NRL is. It is by far the best competition – and they know it and we know it. Everyone around the world watches NRL, I can tell you that.

From rugby union to rugby league players, they all know this is the hardest and longest competition in the world.

"That is why we enjoy watching it, so respect both sides and enjoy parts of their game, but stand tall on what our game is.”

Robinson insisted that Suaalii remained committed to the Roosters and the NRL, and said his decision to switch codes shouldn’t rule him out of Origin contention for the Blues.

Suaalii, who was a member of last year's extended NSW squad, helped Samoa to the November 19 World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old starred at fullback for Samoa and has moved to the centres for the Roosters this season after playing most of his NRL career on the wing.

“He is in our game, he is playing rugby league," Robinson said when asked about calls to blacklist Suaalii from Origin.

"He is a rugby league player for the next couple of years so stay cool, relax and just play what is front of you. Don’t play what is down the path in a few years time.

He will be here for the next two years. Those conversations are really clear between Joseph and myself, and the club.

“I know he is a Rooster, and he is quite clear on that, but I also know he is a young guy that has got a desire on different things in life as well and that is one of his, which he has put down the track.

“He knows what the next couple of years means to us and to him, but then he will get to that at some point.”

After snaring Suaalii, Wallabies coach Eddie Jones is known to have his sights on a number of other NRL players after successfully recruiting the likes of Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers for the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Suaalii's signing has been compared to Israel Folau, who initially left the NRL to play AFL, but Robinson said the code had nothing to fear.

“Players will come and go at different times, but they have 15 spots and they might have four or five big players who are going to play in that,” he said.

We have 17 teams in such a great competition and that is the calmness, I guess, that says we are going to produce players.

“Because of the way that we train and the competition we have every week, we are going to have a great competition - always.

“This is the pinnacle of any rugby competition in the world, so stay cool and just relax.”