ARLC chairman Peter V’landys says he is ‘surprised’ Rugby Australia would fork out a reported $3 million for 16-year-old prodigy Joseph Suaalii.

The youngster is expected to walk away from South Sydney to take up the deal.

“We’ve only got a limited amount of funds and we need to use them wisely,” V’landys told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

“I’m quite surprised that Rugby Union would be spending that sort of money in the current financial climate.

“Spending that sort of money on a 16-year-old might not be the greatest investment in the current climate.”