Pressure on Suaalii is unfair: Bennett

MATT LOGUE

SOUTH Sydney coach Wayne Bennett says the expectation and pressure on 16-year-old sensation Joseph Suaalii is unfair as the teen star weighs up leaving the Rabbitohs to join rugby union on a rich contract.

Suaalii’s future has dominated the headlines this week with Rugby Australia prepared to offer him a threeyear deal worth a reported $3 million.

It comes only a month after he agreed to a $1.7 million deal with Souths, but the deal couldn’t be registered with the NRL until he turned 17 on August 1.

Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe is doing his best to tempt the youngster to stay at Redfern, but it appears he has decided to join rugby for now.

Bennett said he may talk to Suaalii but wants to give him space first.

“He has had enough pressure, he doesn’t need me in his ear,” Bennett said.

“My big issue with Joe and any kid at his age is that it is totally unfair the amount of scrutiny that is put on them.

“It is life-changing for them and they are not old enough to handle it, that is the part that disappoints me.

“The rest of it makes his football career more difficult than most other guys who are 16 and playing and may go on to be wonderful players in the future.”

Bennett also confirmed that back-rower Ethan Lowe is out of the season after having neck surgery on Tuesday. Lowe suffered an exacerbation of an old neck injury during the Rabbitohs’ loss to Newcastle. Bennett revealed surgery was the only option.

Jack Johns, son of Newcastle legend Matthew, will make his NRL debut for Souths against Canberra on Saturday night.