Roosters coach Trent Robinson has hit back at Phil Gould’s comments that Joseph Suaalii should leave the game now after signing a $4.8 million three year deal with rugby union from 2025.
Gould launched a tirade at Suaalii in the belief he has made his decision and should leave as to not give a rival code air time in rugby league over the remainder of his two year deal with the Roosters.
However, Robinson labelled Gould’s comments on Suaalii “ridiculous” and “fearful” in a passionate defence of his star centre.
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“It was a ridiculous comment,” Robinson said.
“That was a guy that is looking after another club and it was a ridiculous comment to say about Joey and what he would do.
“He can stick to his turf and we will stick to ours and how we want to deal with it.
“It showed a fair bit of fear for me about another code. Lots of players sign a year out. Coaches go between rugby union and rugby league.
“But to come out against Joey as a 19-year-old showed a fair bit of fear about the building (Rugby Australia) across the road from us.”
Robinson believes rugby league needs to be more confident in itself that is has the best competition in the world, that will continue to produce the best players.
“I feel like there has been a lot back and forth between the two codes as well,” Robinson said.
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“I really like rugby union. It is OK to say as a rugby league guy that you like the game.
“They have got an amazing international game, which is the World Cup every four years which is a huge attraction for players and for us to watch.
“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. Both sides of the game. 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 and that is why we enjoy watching it.
“So therefore there is no fear in that. We are always going to attract players that want to be at their best and want to be at the height of the game and that’s why I think players will come and go at different times.
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“They have 15 spots and they might have four or five big players that are going to play in that.
“But we have got 17 teams of such a great competition and that’s the calmness that says we are going to produce players because that is the way that we train and the competition we have every week.
“We are going to have a great competition always and this is the pinnacle of any rugby competition in the world.
“So stay cool, relax. We are going to produce players. And don’t come out with fearful comments about other codes.
“Respect both sides of it and enjoy parts of their game, but stand tall on what our game is, so just relax.”
Robinson revealed he never envisioned Suaalii as a 10-year player for the Roosters, but is confident if he returns to rugby league it will be with the Tri-colours.
“I didn’t think Joey (Suaalii) was going to be a 10 year player,” Robinson said.
“I thought he would often play for the Roosters, but I also knew his desire to play different levels and different sports, so I’m really supportive and happy with the process from our point of view.
“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.”
