'No hesitations': Suaalii green-lit for Origin debut
Michael Maguire has revealed there are no concerns over picking Joseph Suaalii for NSW this year, despite the Roosters star’s impending code switch to rugby union.
The 20-year-old will leave the NRL at the end of the season, signing a lucrative deal that will see him represent the Waratahs and Wallabies in the 15-man code.
Suaalii is in the mix for a State of Origin debut in 2024, but there has been some trepidation over picking a player who won’t be around long-term for the Blues.
However, according to the new coach, Suaalii’s future in rugby league won’t be a factor at the selection table ahead of the June 5 series opener.
”If he’s the best performer, I’d have no hesitations picking him,” Maguire told SEN.
“He’s put a lot into rugby league at the moment, and he’s available and at the end of the day it’s about winning for your state.
“At the end of the day it’s about living in the now and making the state proud.
“It’s a step up … it’s looking at the players and understanding whether I believe they can make that step up, and that’s being able to handle the big moments in games.”
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