Suaali’i out of Manly clash as Robinson takes aim at outsiders with ‘agendas’

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Trent Robinson has hit back at outsiders pushing “agendas” to destabilise the Roosters as a concussion suffered during the captain’s run knocked Joseph Suaali’i out of Sunday’s must-win clash against Manly.

Suaali’i was expected to return for the clash at 4 Pines Park after serving a three-game suspension for lifting his knees. He was named on the wing rather than his customary position in the centres.

However, the rugby-bound teenager copped a head knock at training and has been ruled out. It’s yet another addition to a bulging casualty ward that already includes Angus Crichton, Brandon Smith, Egan Butcher, Sitili Tupouniua, Sam Walker, Paul Momirovski and Connor Watson.

“He’s out,” Robinson said. “He got a bit of a knock yesterday, Joe, that’s a bit disappointing. So he’ll have to wait another couple of weeks.

“He just had a clash at training and just sort of didn’t pull up great from it. It’s pretty mild but not enough to get through to the game.

“We’ve got the bye next week so that sort of covers off the 11-day [mandatory concussion] stand-down pretty comfortably. He’ll have to wait another game.”

Rugby union-bound Roosters star Joseph Suaali’i is recovering from a concussion.Credit: Getty

There have been reports of divisions at Bondi Junction, including those between the players and Robinson. However, the coach said it was mischief-making from disgruntled parties.

“Often people push their little agendas through that, when they’re disgruntled, from outside,” Robinson said.

“It’s pretty rare that I’ve seen as unified a group in my time.

“We’re really focused on each other and everyone’s really taking responsibility. I haven’t seen any finger pointing. That’s why I’ve loved actually the last month about how much the guys have looked internally and said, ‘What can I do to help the team?’ and, ‘What works towards that?’

Roosters coach Trent Robinson.Credit: Getty

“The little discussions usually come from people with an agenda, but we’re tight, we’re really tight in here.

“We’ve been fighting and hurting this year, but collectively we’ve been enjoying our time together as a crew.

“The strength of the Roosters is still there from a cultural point of view. We feel really strong about who we are and where we’re going, we just want to start playing better footy. Pretty simple.”

One player on the way out is Matt Lodge. The prop forward has almost certainly played his last game for the club after being dropped to reserve grade.

“He’s asked for a release and we’ve granted permission to seek that,” Robinson said.

“So that’s where it’s sitting at. I’m not sure where that’s at as far as another club is at the moment.

“That’s where it’s sat for a couple of weeks and that should be resolved in the next week, I’d say.

“I don’t think he’s going to play tomorrow [for feeder club North Sydney]. I think he’s going to have that week off this week and try to organise the release there.”

Roosters and NSW skipper James Tedesco has been criticised for his recent form, with some pundits even calling for him to be dropped from the Blues side. Robinson threw his support behind his captain.

“There shouldn’t be a debate about the No.1 jersey,” Robinson said.

“For me, I feel like he is captain for a reason and you stick solid in the best of times and the worst of times.

“Loyalty is a really key factor in being a team, so that’s really important.

“And, like Teddy’s talked about, we all want to be better at what we’re doing. We know there’s improvement in us and we want to get that really quickly.”

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