Rabbitohs player Jacob Gagai will be eligible for selection in round one of the 2024 NRL Premiership following the Club’s successful application to the NRL Judiciary Chairman to have his one-match suspension served in last night’s NRL All Stars match.
Gagai, who received a one-match suspension following a charge arising from the NRL State Championship match in 2023, was selected to play in the 2024 NRL All Stars match, but was deemed ineligible to play following his selection due to this suspension.
The NSWRL’s Judiciary Chairman initially ruled that Gagai’s suspension could not be served in the All Stars game.
The Rabbitohs made an application with further evidence to the NRL yesterday, with NRL Judiciary Chairman, Justice Geoff Bellew, deciding that Gagai’s suspension was served in last night’s NRL All Stars match, thus making him eligible for selection in round one.
“We would like to thank Justice Bellew for his declaration here regarding Jacob’s suspension and avoiding what would have been a substantial injustice,” Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, said.
“We would also like to thank Andrew Abdo and Peter V’Landys for their understanding in allowing the Club to make this application.
“We are pleased the NRL took a common-sense approach to this case. This decision recognises the importance of Jacob’s selection in what was a fantastic cultural celebration and an important game of football in the NRL calendar last night. Having missed the NRL All Stars game, Jacob has well and truly served his one match suspension. We look forward to Jacob putting his best foot forward in tonight’s Charity Shield game ahead of round one in Las Vegas.”
