Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson believes Joseph Suaalii is ready for a Kangaroos call-up at this year's World Cup, declaring the young gun has "defied age" in a breakout NRL campaign.
The 19-year-old State of Origin winger has scored 14 tries from 17 games for the Roosters this season, helping fire them into sixth on the ladder.
He has already caught the eye of Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga and could further press his case for international selection in big clashes with Melbourne and South Sydney to finish the regular season as the Roosters fight for a better position on the finals grid.
"Joey's form speaks for itself," Robinson told reporters on Thursday.
"His ability to attack all the different roles that's needed as a winger but also finish with the class moments.
"As a young guy, his finishing of tries but also saving of tries, I think that's been a highlight for the way that he's played the game.
"These (upcoming) games are really key.
"Games away from home, these moments, I think Mal will be looking at these opportunities to see what kind of a player he is at this time of the year."
Meninga has declared Suaalii a "genuine selection option", with the Tricolours flyer eligible to represent both Australia and Samoa.
Robinson said there would be no issues with Suaalii handling the international stage.
"He's defied age in the way that he's gone about playing the game and the confidence that he's played with," Robinson said.
"If Mal thinks he's ready, then so do I."
Suaalii will feature in Friday night's blockbuster against Melbourne at AAMI Park alongside prop forwards Sio Siua Taukeiaho (cheekbone) and Lindsay Collins (concussion), who return from injuries.
Collins was taken from the field during last month's Origin decider and was concussed again in the Roosters' round-20 win over Manly.
"We've taken our time with him," Robinson said.
"He's been good for four weeks but we decided to take that extra time and it's about allowing the guys to go and play and feel confident to play.
"You don't want to have that (concussion issues) in the back of your mind.
"The thing is to give them the recovery, give them the training and then let them go."
Robinson said Storm hooker Brandon Smith won't be afforded any special treatment on Friday night ahead of his move to the Roosters next year.
"We'll look after that when he comes next year but as far as this year goes, he's an opposition player," Robinson said.
