Sydney Roosters v New Zealand Warriors, Joseph Suaalii, late hit, on report, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, criticism, exhausted, injury crisis

The Sydney Roosters’ player shortage could worsen further as youngster Joseph Suaalii was reported on Saturday for an “ugly” late shot.

Suaalii was cited for his clash with New Zealand Warriors star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the 24th minute after the full-back drifted across the field and dumped the ball.

Nicoll-Klokstad, who was taken off the field later in the second half with a concussion following another incident, was down on the Allianz Stadium grass after the Suaalii shot.

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“Make contact, ohhh, after he lets go of the ball,” said Fox League’s Greg Alexander.

“[He]rammed him under the back of the rib.”

NRL star Steve Roach warned that late hits “hurt a lot more” as players are relaxed after an offload.

“They’re the ugly ones…that whiplash,” added commentator Matt Russell.

“Your body is loose when the ball is gone.”

Alexander said he had no doubt Suaalii “could get in trouble” because of his late shot.

“It’s not on. You can’t hit a man when he’s released the ball and when he’s relaxed and Joseph Suaalii hit him under the ribs, under the back,” he said.

“He could be in trouble here.

“We try to protect our playmakers from when they drift across the field.

“Once they let go of the ball, you can’t hit them.

“Suaalii shot well after passing the ball.

“There is a fee for Joseph.”

The Roosters are already short of a number of top-flight stars in Victor Radley (headblow), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (back), Matt Lodge (fractured face), Angus Crichton (personal), Connor Watson (knee) and Sitili Tupouniua (knee).

The potential loss of Suaalii would only stretch coach Trent Robinson’s side further into Friday night’s Round 3 clash against South Sydney.