Rugby league player Joseph Sua’ali’i faces a four-match ban after a reckless high tackle on Queensland’s Reece Walsh during the State of Origin series opener. Sua’ali’i, who was sent off, made late and high shoulder contact with Walsh, resulting in his knock-out and a loss for NSW. The Roosters player has accepted the ban and will miss NRL games between rounds 15 and 18, as well as potentially the third State of Origin game. His future in the Origin series is uncertain, as he will be switching to rugby union in 2025 and has not committed to a return to the NRL. Latrell Mitchell and Matt Burton are potential replacements for Sua’ali’i in the NSW team. The Roosters may field Fetalaiga Pauga in place of Sua’ali’i for their upcoming game, with Billy Smith still recovering from an ankle injury. Michael Jennings is also a possible option. Despite the controversy, Sua’ali’i could have risked a longer ban if he had chosen to go to the NRL judiciary. The young player’s Origin career may be at risk after only seven minutes of play on debut, leaving his future in the competition uncertain.
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