'Unlucky' Suli weighs in on kick-off debate
Moses Suli is in favour of keeping the kick-off in the NRL, despite the St George Illawarra Dragons star being used as a poster boy to change the popular restart.
In the opening seconds of the Dragons Anzac Day Clash with the Roosters, Suli was knocked out after a brutal collision with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
The tackle left many calling for the NRL to make changes to the kick-off, as the 25-year-old was ruled out of the remainder of the game and made unavailable to play in Sunday’s local derby against the Cronulla Sharks.
Despite the incident, the Dragons centre revealed he believes the kick-off is “a pinnacle of the game” that should not be changed.
“No, I don’t reckon they should [ban the kick-off],” Suli told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“You’re trying to get yourself in the game, trying to put a shot on. That’s one of the pinnacles of the game, the kick-off, trying to make an impact on the game.
“I was just unlucky and he got me a beauty. I hope they don’t get rid of it.”
Suli confirmed there is no bad blood between him and Waerea-Hargreaves.
“I tried to brace myself because I know Jared is a big fella and runs really hard,” Suli said.
Moses Suli was ruled out of the Anzac Day clash after a head clash with Jared Warea-Hargraves off the kick-off.
“I went up to him after the game, I told him I was sweet and that he did nothing wrong. My head was just in the wrong spot. It was unlucky.
“It’s a contact sport, it’s probably the hardest game in the world. It could’ve happened to anyone. What can you do?
“I came out second best. That’s footy, it’s tough. I’ve just got to cop it on the chin. It is what it is.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson acknowledged that it may be necessary to change the kick-off for the safety and future of the game, however, no move will be made on it by the NRL until it goes through its post-season review.
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The Tongan international said he is no longer feeling the effects of the concussion and is ready to don the Red V again.
“I’m all good now,” he said.
“Just the first couple of days, I was a bit rattled, but I’m all sweet now.
“Straight afterwards I didn’t remember much. As the days went by, I slowly started to remember a few things.
“If I could play I would play, but it is what it is.”
Moses Suli is assisted from the field after being knocked out against the Roosters.
“I’m really enjoying my footy again and can’t wait to get back out there,” Suli continued.
“I think we’re going pretty well at the start of the season, especially after the previous years I’ve been here.
“There’s still plenty of room for improvement. [Coach Shane Flanagan] has got all the boys and we’re trying to make a statement in this competition.
“Everyone is writing us off but we’ll stay the underdogs and hopefully it pays off.”