No Blues Origin ban for rugby defector Suaalii

New Blues coach Michael Maguire won’t rule out Joseph Suaalii from NSW selection for the 2024 State of Origin series despite his impending switch to rugby.

There had been concerns from leading voices in the game about Suaalii’s selection for representative teams after signing a $5 million deal that runs from 2025 to 2027.

“Every time he scores a try. Every time he does something in our game people are going to refer to the fact that he’s going to rugby,” Phil Gould said on Nine’s 100% Footy last March.

RECAP: All the action from Australian Open day 13

“Why do we need that? Go now. Don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out. Go. Go now. Gone. He’s made his decision.”

However, new Blues coach Michael Maguire will consider handing Suaalii his NSW debut for the opening game on June 5 at Accor Stadium, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

The report states Suaalii will be part of a Blues camp of up to 40 players who will gather at NSWRL headquarters on February 3-4.

Questions have been raised about Rugby Australia’s desire to honour Suaalii’s contract following the departure of chairman Hamish McLennan and former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

Roosters chairman Nick Politis has stated publicly that Suaalii wants to return once he fulfils his rugby commitments and that the club would welcome him back.