Reports of Joseph Suaalii's early release a 'wake up call' for the superstar, according to Phil Gould

After reports emerged the Roosters may look at releasing star centre Joseph Suaalii a year early from his contract, Phil Gould has described it as a "wake up call" for the youngster as he prepares for the move.

Suaalii - one of Australia's best rugby league and union prospects - signed on with Rugby Australia in late March with the $1.6m-a-season deal to commence after the 2024 NRL season.

However, Nine's Danny Weidler reported on Monday some disappointing on-field form from the team in recent weeks has Chooks powerbrokers considering showing Suaalii the door a year early.

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Weidler says the decision would save the Roosters $700,000 on the salary cap for next season, allowing them to go to market.

Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan also recently told 9News they could afford Suaalii next year if he became available.

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When the superstar outside back signed with Rugby Australia, Phil Gould was adamant the Roosters should 'let him go' immediately to stop the publicity around it.

Now, the rugby league supremo has doubled down on those comments in the wake of rumours of an early release.

"The reason I made my comments was, as a code, we didn't need to be giving them a free kick, he made his decision to go to rugby, (then) go to rugby," he said on Nine's 100% Footy.

"That's not anything against him as a player or person ... Roosters jumped up and down about it, I don't care."

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Gould added that he believes the reports should have Suaalii on notice.

"I would say this is a little bit of a wake up call for him," he said.

"I'd say if this has been leaked out to the media to be reported, it's because they want him to be aware of it."

The Roosters currently sit eighth on the ladder after 10 rounds with Suaalii scoring one try from nine appearances.

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