The game needs superstars. And former Dally M Medallist Todd Carney hopes that's exactly what Joseph Suaalii becomes.
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In what's shaping as one of the most-hyped NSW Cup trials ever, Suaalii will run out for his new club, the Sydney Roosters, for the first time - albeit for the North Sydney Bears in their trial against the Canberra Raiders at Seiffert Oval on Saturday.
The 17-year-old's yet to play an NRL game, but has already been at the centre of an inter-code tug of war with rugby union, as well as a public contract spat that saw him jump ship from South Sydney to their arch rivals.
There's even been calls for the NRL to change the age limit rule so he can make his debut this year.
Finally, here's a chance to see what the hype's all about.
Even if you're not one of the 2000 fans who have tickets for a sold out Seiffert, you'll be able to tune into the game online on Kayo.
Carney hoped Suaalii would develop into the player that many have touted him to become.
"There's people saying he shouldn't be playing at this young of an age, but the game needs superstars and if he's a superstar we'll see him [on Saturday]," he said.
"Hopefully he develops into one of those superstars and does well for the game and himself."
MORE RAIDERS NEWS
Carney made his NRL debut just days after his 18th birthday - off the bench against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
There wasn't a lot of hype around the young Goulburn product, but it started to build as his career progressed.
He played 71 games for the Raiders before getting sacked for off-field issues and he moved to the Roosters.
Carney then produced a stunning 2008 campaign - winning the Dally M and playing in the grand final.
While he didn't know a lot about Suaalii, he felt he'd be able to handle the pressure.
"I think he's got his head screwed on. I don't know too much about the kid I just wish him well," Carney said.
Carney was confident the Roosters would only play Suaalii when he was ready - regardless of how old he was.
The NRL considered changing their age limit, which states players must be 18 to play in the competition.
"I go by the old motto, 'If you're good enough, you're old enough'," Carney said.
"But obviously the way the rules have changed in recent years it stops players from doing that.
"He's at a really good club in the Roosters and if they think he's good enough to do it I'm sure he will be able to. It's good for the game."
Carney's still in touch with his good mate and Raiders co-captain Jarrod Croker, who will find out on Monday about his chances of playing round one against the Wests Tigers.
He liked the Raiders' chances in 2021, after a couple of good years that ended in a grand final loss and the preliminary final.
The Green Machine were looking to win their first premiership since 1994.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Canberra go round again. Obviously they've been close the last two years and they'll be the same again this year," Carney said.
"They've got the players to do it - they haven't lost many - so they'll be fine."
PRE-SEASON TRIALS
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters at 4pm; Canberra Raiders v North Sydney Bears at 2pm. Both games at Seiffert Oval.
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