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source www.smh.com.au
TIMANA TAHU's strange year took another twist yesterday as he played a football match in the same side as Caleb Binge, the man he is accused of racially abusing in an Aboriginal knockout tournament.
The Sun-Herald can reveal that Tahu, granted leave from Parramatta training, travelled to Queensland yesterday to participate in a charity touch football game during a sports and cultural festival in Camp Hill, near Brisbane. Tahu reported to Whites Hill Reserve to represent Gemika's All Stars, alongside Binge. The NSW centre has strenuously denied abusing Binge, allegations that were made public last month by the Northern United player's father, coach Chris.
Tahu was unaware that Caleb Binge and his brother Chris Binge jnr would be present yesterday until just before kick-off. It is the first time the pair has come together since the racism allegations were levelled. The matter is yet to be resolved.
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Tahu and the Binges put their differences behind them for the tournament, which was played without incident. On several occasions they passed the ball to each other.
The game is one of a series of fund-raising events for Gemika Tonga - the niece of Kangaroos centre Willie Tonga - who is suffering from a rare genetic disorder.
''He had no idea about [Binge's presence],'' said Tahu's wife, Kasey.
''It wasn't about that situation. He put all of that aside, 'T' was just up here for one thing and that's the charity of this little girl. It's the second fund-raiser he has attended for her.''
Asked when Tahu would return to Eels training, Kasey said: ''Hopefully the club will give him till after Christmas. They have given him a couple of weeks off, which is really good of them. He's OK, he's just tired. It's been a big year.''
Tahu joined several NRL stars including Manly forward George Rose, Titans utility Esi Tonga, Souths hooker Issac Luke and Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who all leant their support to the cause. They posed for photographs and signed jerseys, which will be auctioned off to raise funds for Gemika.
The four-year-old suffers from Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, which affects one in 30,000 people, with just 600 recorded cases in Australia. The money raised will help Gemika - who can't speak and suffers from autism and epilepsy - to travel to the United States for treatment.
Gemika's mother, Gemma - who is the aunty of Caleb Binge - said she was pleased that the Binges and Tahu put aside their differences to assist her daughter.
''They were playing on the same side - one playing middle and the other playing link - and they were playing good footy, like boys do,'' she said. ''This isn't about dramas, [Binge] and Timana had no problems, they've been really great teammates, so it's good.''
It has been a turbulent year for Tahu. The former Wallaby gave up his treasured Blues jersey over comments from former Knights teammate Andrew Johns in a brave stance against racism. Since then he has had to contend with the fall-out from the Binge allegations, his omission from the Indigenous All Stars line-up and continued speculation about his position at Parramatta. The events have taken a toll on the 30-year-old, who was granted compassionate leave from pre-season training.
Eels CEO Paul Osborne said he intends to meet Tahu tomorrow to reassure him he is wanted at the club.
Tahu declined to comment yesterday, but has previously denied the racism allegations levelled against him. ''For me it's a laughable matter because it never happened and I've got nothing to hide,'' Tahu said in a recent interview.
''I'm upset that someone from your own race is making these accusations. It's silly.''
link http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/tahu-plays-alongside-his-racism-accuser-20101127-18bcq.html
TIMANA TAHU's strange year took another twist yesterday as he played a football match in the same side as Caleb Binge, the man he is accused of racially abusing in an Aboriginal knockout tournament.
The Sun-Herald can reveal that Tahu, granted leave from Parramatta training, travelled to Queensland yesterday to participate in a charity touch football game during a sports and cultural festival in Camp Hill, near Brisbane. Tahu reported to Whites Hill Reserve to represent Gemika's All Stars, alongside Binge. The NSW centre has strenuously denied abusing Binge, allegations that were made public last month by the Northern United player's father, coach Chris.
Tahu was unaware that Caleb Binge and his brother Chris Binge jnr would be present yesterday until just before kick-off. It is the first time the pair has come together since the racism allegations were levelled. The matter is yet to be resolved.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Tahu and the Binges put their differences behind them for the tournament, which was played without incident. On several occasions they passed the ball to each other.
The game is one of a series of fund-raising events for Gemika Tonga - the niece of Kangaroos centre Willie Tonga - who is suffering from a rare genetic disorder.
''He had no idea about [Binge's presence],'' said Tahu's wife, Kasey.
''It wasn't about that situation. He put all of that aside, 'T' was just up here for one thing and that's the charity of this little girl. It's the second fund-raiser he has attended for her.''
Asked when Tahu would return to Eels training, Kasey said: ''Hopefully the club will give him till after Christmas. They have given him a couple of weeks off, which is really good of them. He's OK, he's just tired. It's been a big year.''
Tahu joined several NRL stars including Manly forward George Rose, Titans utility Esi Tonga, Souths hooker Issac Luke and Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who all leant their support to the cause. They posed for photographs and signed jerseys, which will be auctioned off to raise funds for Gemika.
The four-year-old suffers from Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, which affects one in 30,000 people, with just 600 recorded cases in Australia. The money raised will help Gemika - who can't speak and suffers from autism and epilepsy - to travel to the United States for treatment.
Gemika's mother, Gemma - who is the aunty of Caleb Binge - said she was pleased that the Binges and Tahu put aside their differences to assist her daughter.
''They were playing on the same side - one playing middle and the other playing link - and they were playing good footy, like boys do,'' she said. ''This isn't about dramas, [Binge] and Timana had no problems, they've been really great teammates, so it's good.''
It has been a turbulent year for Tahu. The former Wallaby gave up his treasured Blues jersey over comments from former Knights teammate Andrew Johns in a brave stance against racism. Since then he has had to contend with the fall-out from the Binge allegations, his omission from the Indigenous All Stars line-up and continued speculation about his position at Parramatta. The events have taken a toll on the 30-year-old, who was granted compassionate leave from pre-season training.
Eels CEO Paul Osborne said he intends to meet Tahu tomorrow to reassure him he is wanted at the club.
Tahu declined to comment yesterday, but has previously denied the racism allegations levelled against him. ''For me it's a laughable matter because it never happened and I've got nothing to hide,'' Tahu said in a recent interview.
''I'm upset that someone from your own race is making these accusations. It's silly.''
link http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/tahu-plays-alongside-his-racism-accuser-20101127-18bcq.html
