There is another Kiwi back from the Storm that I'd like the Warriors to have a crack at, Shem Tatupu. He's the son of ex Warrior, Tony and was a good league player when younger and a special 1st XV player at St Peters College. He signed with Hawthorn AFL before signing with the Storm. I'm not sure why he never succeeded at the Storm but go on Warriors give him a go ... NSW Cup starting point.
It's a weird one - I know of the guy, but can't find records of him actually playing at a decent level of competition during the 2 years he was contracted to the Storm.
Too old for 20s when he signed with the Storm. Either QLD cup side? Nope. Maybe he had a few games in 2016 and I've just missed them... but can't see them right now, anyway. He did play some Brisbane A grade (that's a 3rd tier senior comp) in 2016 with Easts Tigers, at least. And he seemed to be scoring a few tries there too - the one clip I've found is simply him taking a bomb above his head and scoring. Unsurprising, given his listed height and time in the AFL system.
I know he was involved in some sort of car accident sometime around the start of this year... did that rule him out for all of this year? I can't see any record of him playing at any level in 2017. Is he ok to play again?
Providing he's even fit, I find it hard to believe he'd be anything close to NRL standard... maybe a development guy? He's turning 22 soon, so still some time left in him I guess. Depends on where he is right now as a player.. hard to judge without seeing him.
Then again, let's put this into context. We've just had Maumalo as a regular starter despite still learning the basics of the position on the job at NRL level. That's the level Tatupu would need to be at if he's to provide competition within our squad, lol.... he's probably not that far off.
