The Sydney Roosters have received an exemption for Joseph Suaalii to play in the NRL before turning 18 in August. The decision, approved by the Australian Rugby League commission, allows Suaalii to be eligible for selection this weekend against the Wests Tigers. The league took into consideration the Roosters’ welfare and education management plans, as well as independent expert advice before granting the exemption. This marks the first time a 17-year-old player will compete in the NRL since Jason Taumalolo in 2010.
In a separate development, former Australian rugby league captain Cameron Smith announced his retirement on the eve of the NRL season. Smith, who played 430 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm, won two World Cups with the Kangaroos and was instrumental in Queensland’s State of Origin victories. His retirement comes after a highly successful career that included multiple premierships, although some titles were stripped due to salary cap breaches.
Smith’s retirement was celebrated by his club, the Storm, where statues of him and fellow great Billy Slater were unveiled. The long-time coach, Craig Bellamy, praised Smith as the greatest player he had ever seen and expressed a desire to keep him involved with the club. Smith leaves the game with numerous records, including the most State of Origin appearances and Tests for Australia. Slater described Smith as the most influential player in the sport and reminisced about their early days when Smith made his debut for Melbourne.
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