Rabbitohs application regarding Jacob Gagai’s suspension has been successful
Rabbitohs player Jacob Gagai will be able to participate in round one of the 2024 NRL Premiership after the club successfully appealed to the NRL Judiciary Chairman to have his one-match suspension fulfilled during the NRL All Stars match held last night.
Gagai had received a one-match suspension due to an incident during the NRL State Championship match in 2023. Although he was initially selected to play in the 2024 NRL All Stars match, his suspension rendered him ineligible.
Initially, the NSWRL’s Judiciary Chairman ruled against allowing Gagai to serve his suspension during the All Stars game. However, the Rabbitohs presented additional evidence to the NRL, leading to Justice Geoff Bellew determining that Gagai’s suspension was effectively served in last night’s NRL All Stars match. Consequently, he is now eligible for selection in round one.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly expressed gratitude to Justice Bellew for the decision, acknowledging that it prevented a significant injustice. He also thanked Andrew Abdo and Peter V’Landys for their cooperation in allowing the club to make the application.
Solly praised the NRL for taking a sensible approach, recognizing the significance of Gagai’s participation in the All Stars game as well as the cultural significance of the event. With Gagai having missed the NRL All Stars game, his suspension has been fulfilled, and the club looks forward to his performance in the upcoming Charity Shield game and beyond into round one in Las Vegas.
