I'm stunned the ARL Commission is bending its own rules by granting a special exemption to Joseph Suaalii, who's now free to make his NRL debut before his 18th birthday.
The question needs to be asked: what's the point of having the rule in the first place?
We've all seen the impressive schoolboy highlights of the 17-year-old, who's run rings around his opponents, and the teenage sensation also scored a double for the North Sydney Bears in Sunday's NSW Cup clash against the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles.
Sualii is obviously a stunning talent with the world at his feet but why are we making exceptions for this kid?
We often hear the term 'boys against men' and the league put in place the current rules to protect the health and safety of these youngsters who are pushing to play first grade.
Under the current NRL rules, Suaalii is unable to make his first grade debut for the Roosters until he turns 18, which isn't until August 1.
So, what's the rush? Can't we wait another five months?
Billy Slater summed it up best on Wide World of Sports Radio on 2GB, declaring: "I don't think you can make rules for some and rules for others in this one.
"You can't make an exemption for one player here. Eighteen is what they think is safe, it doesn't matter how physically developed you are – I don't know how they would measure an exemption. Five months away, just wait.
"I don't even know why we can put an application for an exemption in. We shouldn't be able to do that, we shouldn't be able to ask the question."
Billy makes a great point, when you consider the NRL has an obligation to player safety.
Isn't there a responsibility to ensure these kids finish their schooling as well before worrying about a professional football career?
There is no doubt the Joseph Suaaliis of the world will make a comfortable living in rugby league or whatever sport they choose to play, but what happens when they hang up the boots?
I honestly believe the ARL Commission has been spooked by the threat of losing the 17-year-old to rugby union and it's prompted some supporters to suggest on social media that 'the Roosters get their way yet again'.
North Queensland coach Todd Payten has been slammed for benching Jason Taumalolo in the heavy defeat to Penrith on the weekend because the new mentor wants to protect the enforcer's "health and longevity" in the game.
Ironically, Taumalolo was the last player to debut before his 18th birthday in 2010. If Payten is protecting the well-being of his champion lock, how will the same critics judge the ARL Commission's decision to allow Suaalii to make his debut at 17?
I've been very supportive of chairman Peter V'landys and some of the changes he's made to the National Rugby League, but when we start making rules for some and rules for others, that's when we enter dangerous territory.
I have no doubt the Roosters put forward a strong case and the league sought advice from Suaalii's high school principal and mentors, however, this decision is unjust and unfair.
The teenager still faces a battle to be selected in the Roosters' all-star backline and after watching their demolition of the Manly Sea Eagles, he might be waiting a bit longer.
Again, I don't begrudge anyone getting the opportunity to make their NRL debut.
I just think they need to follow the rules that are in place for a reason and wait their turn.
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