Tahu lets Cooper decide
Dual international Timana Tahu insists he's had no part to play in Parramatta's bold bid to lure former Wallabies team-mate Quade Cooper across to the NRL.
The Eels have reportedly offered the star playmaker $1.5 million over three seasons to switch codes.
The talented playmaker flew out to South Africa with the Wallabies on Friday and is not expected to announce his decision until at least the end of the Tri Nations tournament on September 11.
Tahu, who sensationally walked out on his deal with Australian Rugby Union in July 2009, played alongside Cooper with the Wallabies and is in regular contact with the 22-year-old.But he's adamant he hasn't used his friendship as leverage to convince Cooper to defect.
"I've stayed right out of it," Tahu said on Monday.
"That's up to the board and Ozzy (Parramatta CEO Paul Osborne). I don't want to get dragged into it because it's just another drama."
"I have played with him in the Wallabies and we became good friends in the Wallabies. I have talked to him before this all started and we do text a lot but we don't talk about if he's going to cross over or not. It's probably something I'd like to stay out of."
"I reckon Quade would go really good. He's got a rugby league background ... and for him to come over to rugby league I think he'd be good for the game and I think he'll be able to handle first-grade football."
Meanwhile, Tahu says sending retiring skipper Nathan Cayless out on a winning note is now Parramatta's main focus after their finals hopes all but evaporated against Wests Tigers on Sunday.The Eels are only two points outside the top eight but sit in 12th spot due to their inferior points differential and require a major miracle to make the playoffs.
"We've just got to win our next two games (against South Sydney and the Warriors) and then see what happens after that," he said.
"If we make the finals we make it which will be a bonus, and if we don't at least Nathan goes out with two more wins before his retirement."
"These next two weeks are going to be very enjoyable not only for us but for Nathan, and I think if you enjoy your football more you tend to play better."
"So I'm looking forward to these next two weeks and a lot of us will be preparing as if we're going into the finals."
"We're definitely motivated. You have to put pride in you jerseys and just seeing the crowd that turned up yesterday, they breathe football and they're very passionate about supporting our side. There's a lot of people watching out there so we've got to perform."
http://sportal.com.au/league-news-display/tahu-lets-cooper-decide-97242
