The Roosters have been dealt a huge blow with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves set to miss the club’s Las Vegas season opener, with a single game left on his seven-game suspension.
The fiery prop was handed the mammoth ban for two charges, dangerous contact and striking, during the Tricolours’ Round 26 clash with the Tigers.
The Roosters went on to play three more games that season, while three more games were removed from his suspension in the Pacific Championships.
Watch sport this summer live with no ad breaks in play on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
The veteran was named in New Zealand’s preliminary squad for the tournament, meaning each game the Kiwis played counted towards his suspension.
Now the SMH is reporting Tricolours powerbrokers put in an application for the annual All-Stars clash to count towards his suspension, meaning he would be free to play in Las Vegas.
However, NRL judiciary chair Geoff Bellew reportedly denied the application and Waerea-Hargreaves will take no part against the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles will also face off in the United States, kicking off the 2024 season in a huge showcase of rugby league action.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Cowboys name new young co-captains | 01:05
MORE NRL NEWS
TRANSFER CENTRE: Dogs forward’s saga finally over as captain granted release
PREDICTED RD 1 TEAMS: Dragons get creative, Bulldogs solve utility puzzle
TIGERS: Benji Marshall breaks silence on Nofoaluma drama in Leichhardt
SIGN HIM UP: Walsh stuns as Broncos star reels in pass from NFL GOAT
While Waerea-Hargreaves’ omission is a huge blow for the Roosters, recruit Spencer Leniu could start in his debut for the club.
The former Panther is a strong chance of partnering Queensland representative Lindsay Collins in the front row, doing battle with Brisbane’s star duo Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan.
Interestingly, the Roosters face the Rabbitohs in their third game of the 2024 season and due to Waerea-Hargreaves’ ban he will play his 300th game against the club’s arch rivals.
The Kiwi international is also set to become the most capped Rooster in history and will likely overtake Mitchell Aubusson’s 306 game tally in 2024.
Discussion about this post