Rugby league legend Billy Slater says Roosters teen sensation Joseph Suaalii should "just wait" until he turns 18 before taking to the field for first grade football.
The NRL world and Sydney Roosters are eagerly awaiting the league's decision on whether Suaalii can take to the field as soon as round one after the Tricolours put in an application to get the 17-year-old to suit up early.
Under current NRL rules, Suaalii is currently unable to make his first grade debut for the Roosters until he turns 18, which won't be until August 1st.
It's understood the NRL won't grant Suaalii an exemption until he ticks off a number of requirements, which includes whether he can handle being in an environment "where alcohol and gambling exist."
Asked whether the NRL should allow the young gun an exemption to play before he turns 18, Slater said Suaalii would be better off just waiting for a few more months, while also urging the NRL to hold firm on their current protocols.
"I think you either lower the age or you just say, 'Joseph, you've got five months until you're 18. You're going to get five games before the final series, that's the rule and that's what we're sticking with,'" Slater told 2GB's Wide World of Sports Radio.
"I don't think you can make rules for some and rules for others in this one.
"You can't make an exemption for one player here. 18 is what they think is safe, it doesn't matter how physically developed you are - I don't know how they would measure an exemption. Five months away, just wait.
"I don't even know why we can put an application for an exemption in? We shouldn't be able to do that, we shouldn't be able to ask the question."
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