Part of Thompson’s mission was to try to keep Wallaby’s young prospects in the XVs game.

Ultimately, in Suaalii’s case, this proved impossible.

Suaalii was on the books of the South Sydney Rabbitohs before moving to the Roosters, where he made the NRL Team of the Year in 2022 while still a teenager.

Although he was immediately hit upon arrival, Suaalii suffered a few bumps at the start.

In addition to receiving a four-game ban for a hit in the State of Origin showpiece, Suaalii was criticized by some for deserting the league. Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter V’landys accused him of chasing easy money and predicted a rapid return to the 13-man code.

However, Anderson is confident that Suaalii, stronger and faster for his time in the league, will be able to quickly find his feet in union.

“Oh, yes 100%, he will definitely make the transition and he will be a world-class player,” Anderson said.

“He’s a very special talent and he’s still very young.

“If you look at the way rugby league plays on the edge, most rugby union teams are pretty similar now.

“I’m not involved anymore, so I don’t know how (Wallabies coach) Joe Schmidt got his attack going, but you can assume he’ll get a lot of football regardless of his position.”

Suaalii will also be in the spotlight.