ozbash
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WARRIORS coach Andrew McFadden says former Kiwi Test forward Ali Lauitiiti, the clubs cult figure from more than a decade ago, is a chance of playing some first grade this year.
Lauitiiti, now 36, broke into first grade as a teenager with the Warriors back in 1998 the first year of the NRL and was at the club until midway through 2004, when he joined English club Leeds. He eventually moved on to Wakefield and stayed there until the end of last season.
The big fellow was a fan favourite at the Warriors, with his carrying of the ball in one hand, basketball passes over the top of struggling defenders and lots of tries.
Lauitiiti is obviously close to the end of his career now, but while he has been brought back by the Warriors on a second-tier contract mainly to lend his experience to the development of younger players, McFadden says he could still offer something at NRL level.
Alis a hope of playing first grade, McFadden said.
Hes got some work to do, but he was coming home anyway and weve got some really talented young kids and we needed to get someone with experience playing alongside them in reserve grade.
Ali being here will allow us to do that and hell also have the opportunity to push his case for first grade. Hes had a couple of setbacks at training since he got here, but nothing too major. Were looking for him to be back playing some footy in the early rounds.
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/mcfadden-ali-is-a-chance/
Lauitiiti, now 36, broke into first grade as a teenager with the Warriors back in 1998 the first year of the NRL and was at the club until midway through 2004, when he joined English club Leeds. He eventually moved on to Wakefield and stayed there until the end of last season.
The big fellow was a fan favourite at the Warriors, with his carrying of the ball in one hand, basketball passes over the top of struggling defenders and lots of tries.
Lauitiiti is obviously close to the end of his career now, but while he has been brought back by the Warriors on a second-tier contract mainly to lend his experience to the development of younger players, McFadden says he could still offer something at NRL level.
Alis a hope of playing first grade, McFadden said.
Hes got some work to do, but he was coming home anyway and weve got some really talented young kids and we needed to get someone with experience playing alongside them in reserve grade.
Ali being here will allow us to do that and hell also have the opportunity to push his case for first grade. Hes had a couple of setbacks at training since he got here, but nothing too major. Were looking for him to be back playing some footy in the early rounds.
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/mcfadden-ali-is-a-chance/
