“He’s playing rugby league at the moment. He probably should be eligible but for me, he’s gone. He’s gone to rugby, he’s made his decision and I’m happy for him to go now. He’s made his decision to go to rugby. Go. Go now.”

It comes as senior Wallabies have hit back at NRL critics predicting Suaalii would be bored in rugby, saying the high-profile teen would embrace leaving Australia’s “east coast”.

NSW back-rower Jed Holloway and Brumbies No.9 Nic White welcomed Suaalii’s three-year deal to join the Waratahs and Wallabies, and said they weren’t bothered by the game-high $1.5 million price tag that came with it.

“I think everyone knows the opportunity in Australian rugby over the next five years,” White said. “We’ve got a new coach, a World Cup in France, the [British and Irish] Lions are coming and a home World Cup in 2027. It’s exciting and he’s obviously seen the excitement there with that - and he’s obviously seen some big dollars, too.

“And that’s alright. This is the game and where we’re at. He’s an unbelievable talent and we’d certainly like to have a guy like Joseph playing here with us than over there playing for the mungoes. It’s good for the game.”

Holloway reported nothing but excitement from his NSW teammates, and hit back at a sledge from Roosters forward Brandon Smith, who sniped over the weekend that “a $1.6 million winger isn’t going to help you beat the All Blacks”.

“Yeah, I saw that,” Holloway said. “I just reckon Joseph wants to do more travel than the east coast of Australia. But it’s always nice to have a bit of a dig between rugby and rugby league.”