Jun 9th, 2018

Jun 9th, 2018

Trent Barrett insists Moses Suli's axing for a lack of professionalism doesn't reflect the giant strides made by the teenager at Manly.

Suli was dropped for Saturday's 34-14 loss to the Warriors in Christchurch after misplacing his passport in Sydney and missing subsequent training sessions.

It comes after a troubled pre-season for the Tongan international, who was released by Wests Tigers in January and the Canterbury Bulldogs a month later.

Both clubs cited "indiscretions" from the 19-year-old, who reportedly lacked professionalism at training.

(Getty)

Barrett says there has been no such issue at the Sea Eagles, with Suli having impressed enough off the park to force selection for the past five games before his passport blunder.

"I would have loved him to have played tonight because he's a very good player," Barrett said.

"But I want him to be a 10-year first-grader and if I let him get away with little things like that, he's not going to learn anything.

"It was a call I had to make. Moses isn't going to improve if we don't make those calls on him."

NRL Highlights: Manly Sea Eagles v Warriors – Round 14

The strapping centre, who played 16 games for the Tigers last year, will be available for next week's clash with the Dragons.

Barrett hopes the lesson will bear fruit on the field for Suli, who has settled well at Manly with his closest friends around him.

"He hasn't missed a beat. This is the first one, it's a minor hiccup.

"Down the track, it's us making decisions like that which makes a statement for the rest of the squad but it's also there to help him."

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