FUIFUI_MOIMOI
Juniors
- Messages
- 2,448
He's blessed with the same initials and remarkably similar stature to Timana Tahu, but Eels rookie Taulima Tautai doesn't expect to step effortlessly into the rugby convert's former role on Saturday.
The 19-year-old, who weighs in the same as Tahu at 98kg and is only 1cm shorter at 184cm, has been named to make his NRL debut in Parramatta's first-round clash with the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
The axing of Test centre Jarryd Hayne has paved the way for Tautai to make his first start in the number four jersey worn by Tahu before making his switch to the NSW Waratahs.
And while keen to make the most of the opportunity, Tautai knows it won't be any easy introduction to the top grade.
"They're big shoes to fill in but I will try my best," Tautai said.
"It's going to be pretty intense.
"I had a couple of words with the more experienced guys and they said to just enjoy, take it in and it'll be good fun."
Tautai is faced with the challenge of lining up against former Test centre Willie Tonga, who makes his return in the Bulldogs centres after missing their pre-season trials with knee injury.
Tonga will be partnered in the centres by 20-year-old Tim Winitana who made one NRL appearance last year.
Dogs coach Steve Folkes has also opted to start NSW forward Reni Maitua on the bench, as he continues to recover from off-season ankle surgery, with Lee Te Maari starting at lock.
http://news.leaguehq.com.au/eels-youngster-aims-to-fill-tahus-shoes/20080311-1yob.html
The 19-year-old, who weighs in the same as Tahu at 98kg and is only 1cm shorter at 184cm, has been named to make his NRL debut in Parramatta's first-round clash with the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
The axing of Test centre Jarryd Hayne has paved the way for Tautai to make his first start in the number four jersey worn by Tahu before making his switch to the NSW Waratahs.
And while keen to make the most of the opportunity, Tautai knows it won't be any easy introduction to the top grade.
"They're big shoes to fill in but I will try my best," Tautai said.
"It's going to be pretty intense.
"I had a couple of words with the more experienced guys and they said to just enjoy, take it in and it'll be good fun."
Tautai is faced with the challenge of lining up against former Test centre Willie Tonga, who makes his return in the Bulldogs centres after missing their pre-season trials with knee injury.
Tonga will be partnered in the centres by 20-year-old Tim Winitana who made one NRL appearance last year.
Dogs coach Steve Folkes has also opted to start NSW forward Reni Maitua on the bench, as he continues to recover from off-season ankle surgery, with Lee Te Maari starting at lock.
http://news.leaguehq.com.au/eels-youngster-aims-to-fill-tahus-shoes/20080311-1yob.html
layer Name: Taulima Tautai 
