Rugby-bound Joseph Suaalii has shown again why NRL pundits and fans aren't ready to see the back of the young star, after another starring performance.
The 19-year-old marked his first game back since signing the reported A$1.6 million three-year deal with Rugby Australia from 2024 with a stirring showing for Sydney Roosters.
After losing captain and fullback James Tedesco to a head injury, the Roosters moved Suaalii from the centres to fullback, where he guided his side to a hard-fought 28-20 win over Parramatta Eels.
He finished with 132 metres, a try-assist and a linebreak that resulted in Drew Hutchinson scoring the game's first try.
Suaalli helped heap misery of the lowly Eels, as the 16th-placed outfit couldn't overcome two players being sent to the sin bin.
Will Penisini was the first binned for a professional foul, before Bailey Simonsson was shown his marching orders for a late no-arms hit on Tedesco.
The Roosters made their advantage count, with Suaalii breaking down the left edge, before slick passing sent Hutchinson over.
Winger Daniel Tupou was next to cross, before NZ Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith sparked another try to Luke Keary with a trademark snipe.
Eels star Clinton Gutherson scored his team's first try right after the break to eat into the Roosters' 16-2 halftime lead, but further scores to Jaxon Paulo and Keary put the game beyond doubt, with a two-minute Eels double in the final moments unable to get within reach of the Roosters.
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