The Sydney Morning Herald has confirmed that it was in fact Sydney Roosters’ arch rivals South Sydney who helped convince the NRL that 17-year-old rookie Joseph Suaalii was ready to play first grade.

SMH reports that Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly e-mailed Peter V’landys arguing that Suaalii was ready – at the time Suaalii was still contracted to the Rabbitohs and not leaving Redfern any time soon.

V’landys reportedly used Solly’s e-mail in his decision to allow the Roosters to play the outside back prior to his 18th birthday in August.