'Have fun at work': Roosters prop hammered for Instagram comment on Suaalii post
A club teammate of Joseph Suaalii's has stirred controversy with a couple of inflammatory social media comments.
Suaalii's State of Origin debut for New South Wales lasted only seven minutes on Wednesday night as he was sent off by referee Ashley Klein.
The Blues centre had rushed out of the defensive line and caught Queensland fullback Reece Walsh around the head with his shoulder, knocking the Maroons star out.
READ MORE: USA scores 'greatest upset in World Cup history'
READ MORE: The alarming stat that haunted Blues in narrow loss
READ MORE: Gauff in tears at 'awful' call during semi-final loss
The young Blues first-gamer was contrite and apologetic when speaking about the incident on Thursday.
"Obviously a bit disappointed – I let my fans, my state and especially my teammates down," Suaalii said outside the team hotel.
Joseph Suaalii was sent off for this hit on Maroons fullback Reece Walsh. NRL Images
"I didn't mean it at all, I just went in to tackle him and accidentally took his head.
"I hope he's doing all right, I hope he's doing well, but I didn't mean to hit him in the head."
Suaalii also posted on Instagram apologising for the tackle which left NSW a man down and resulted in a 38-10 loss in Sydney.
Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The send-off club: Ultra-exclusive State of Origin list Joseph Suaalii has joined
The send-off club: Ultra-exclusive State of Origin list Joseph Suaalii has joined
But while a host of fellow rugby league players left well wishes in the comments section, one Roosters forward opted to make light of the situation in a bizarre way.
Suaalii's Chooks teammate Terrell May commented, "HIS DEAD" - likely a misspelling of "he's" and referring to Walsh.
Hundreds of people responded to the comment - many pointing out the poor taste of mocking a player who had suffered a head injury.
May replied to at least one of the responses.
Terrell May commented on Joseph Suaalii's post. Instagram
"Have fun at work bum," the Roosters prop said.
May signed a two-year contract extension with the Roosters in April reportedly worth $850,000.
During last year's State of Origin series, Blues playmaker Jarome Luai caused controversy with a 4am Instagram post after a loss.
"Chill, all you idiots have work tomorrow," Luai wrote over a photo of himself.
Luai later admitted he regretted the post.
May was also recently defended by the Roosters after video of he and several teammates was leaked online.
Viewers suggested the players appeared to be indulging in illicit activity in the video, which the NRL club furiously denied.
