Moses Suli has revealed he played a key role in bringing young gun Viliami Fifita to St George Illawarra and refuted suggestions he baulked at joining the club, saying only his family situation made the move difficult.

Suli became headline news after a media interview on Tuesday, in which he spoke of his qualms about moving to Wollongong. The former Wests Tigers, Bulldogs and Manly centre said close friend Fifita – who along with former Sea Eagle Alec Tuitavake was part of a player swap with Aaron Woods – was also hesitant about relocating.

Suli clarified that their concerns had nothing to do with joining the Red V, rather the difficulty in moving away from family.

In Suli’s case, he left his mother and sister after losing his father, Manu, at the age of 15.

“It’s amazing how my interview got twisted,” Suli told the Herald. “I am an Islander and for those who don’t know us Islanders, we are extremely close to our fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers.

“For myself and others in my situation, I didn’t know how I was going to pick up and relocate to my new club at the time and leave my family home, especially my mum being a widow.

“I love the club and the loyal fans.”

After making the difficult shift from his family in Fairfield, Suli now feels at home in Wollongong. So much so that the Tongan international is about to buy property in the area.